Hands-on Digital Media Experience Turns Classroom Skills into Client Solutions

A connection at a Pizza with Professionals event turned into a valuable client partnership for a group of Lebanon Valley College Digital Media students.

After offering initial feedback to Chrisland Engineering, several students volunteered to take on a full website redesign-an opportunity coordinated by the Edward and Lynn Breen Center for Career & Professional Development and the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Applying Coursework to a Real Client Project

The project team included Rachel Hartman '27, Ashley Duchnowski '26, Cindy Santana-Medina '27, Will Minayev '27, and Karis Briguglio '26.

The students divided responsibilities based on strengths and interests.

UX + Content Strategy

Duchnowski's work focused on restructuring the website's desktop version to make it clearer and more intuitive.

"I concentrated on information hierarchy and reducing noise," she explained. "I took the existing content and restructured it, so it made more sense to people unfamiliar with civil engineering."

SEO Research + Competitor Analysis

Hartman focused on strengthening the website's search engine visibility.

"My primary responsibilities included researching SEO optimization through competitor analysis and benchmarking," she said. "I analyzed three major local competitors' websites and used this information to identify opportunities Chrisland could use to improve its SEO."
The student team met regularly with Chrisland and local partners to refine their recommendations and present final deliverables.

Building Skills, Confidence, and Career Readiness

Working with a real client offered moments of challenge and clarity.

Duchnowski's confidence grew through client presentations. "I was nervous because my concentration is more business focused. After presenting, everyone was very happy with it, which reinforced my confidence and reminded me that even if I haven't used a skill recently, it's still there."

For Hartman, seeing the final product come together was a defining moment. "It reinforced my career goals and showed me how impactful a group of passionate, talented students can be when working collaboratively."

Both students emphasized how meaningful hands-on experiences, such as the Chrisland project, have been in strengthening their skills and affirming their career ambitions.

Why Students Choose Digital Media at LVC

Hartman and Duchnowski were drawn to LVC's small, supportive learning environment and the broad, interdisciplinary nature of the Digital Media major.

Hartman felt an immediate connection with the community. "When I first visited campus and met the Digital Media professors and students, everyone was incredibly welcoming. I could genuinely see myself thriving here."

Duchnowski noted that one of the biggest reasons she chose LVC was knowing she "would always have access to career support even after graduation."

They also emphasized the range of skills they've gained in the Digital Media program, from project management and UX to teamwork, leadership, and business communication.

"There is so much you can learn, and there truly is a place for everyone…designers, coders, creatives, storytellers, and more," Hartman added. "The major continues to grow and evolve, offering endless opportunities."

Advice for Future Digital Media Students

Their message is simple: take advantage of the opportunities LVC offers.

Duchnowski encourages prospective students not to let cost concerns stop them from exploring LVC. "There are many scholarships that allow you to focus on your studies. This school truly feels like a family and can become the perfect second home."

Hartman advises students to be bold and curious. "Step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Even if you don't know something now, you will learn, and you may even discover new passions along the way."

Real Clients. Real Skills. Real Impact.

This project is one of many ways LVC Digital Media students gain practical experience that translates directly into internships and careers. By collaborating with local organizations like Chrisland Engineering-and with support from the Breen Center-students graduate with a portfolio of work that demonstrates not only what they've learned but also what they can do.