Madeline Alesia
Madeline Alesia
Class Year
’21
Current home
Lakemoor, Illinois
Major(s)
Public Relations
Current Position
Project Lead Planner at Lake County Workforce Development Board
A public relations graduate from Carthage, Madeline Alesia ’21 is now the project lead planner for the Lake County Workforce Development Board. Ms. Alesia plays a pivotal role in collaborating with the board coordinator to orchestrate board and committee meetings, ensuring seamless execution and facilitation. She actively contributes to strategic initiatives, including special projects and proposal requests. Ms. Alesia represents the board at job fairs and community events to help foster meaningful engagement. Additionally, she manages social media content for the Job Center of Lake County and the Lake County Workforce Development Board, working to amplify their outreach and engagement.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“It is incredibly fulfilling to contribute to an organization that secures state and federal funding to support the community through job search assistance, paid work experiences, resume development, career exploration, job training, and more. Our services benefit individuals of all ages across Lake County, Illinois, empowering them to achieve their career goals. What I value most is the continuous learning and growth I have experienced and will continue to pursue to enhance workforce development and create lasting opportunities for the future.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“My experience at Carthage exceeded my expectations, providing me with invaluable knowledge and hands-on learning opportunities. The public relations and communications courses went beyond textbook theories, equipping me with practical skills and real-world applications. The projects I completed instilled confidence in my career aspirations, while the small class sizes fostered meaningful connections. Collaborating with like-minded peers who shared my professional goals greatly influenced and shaped my vision for the future.”
How has your liberal arts education benefited you?
“Communication is one of my strongest skills, and my time at Carthage played a significant role in refining and strengthening it — a process that continues to evolve in my career. Public speaking and presenting were once outside my comfort zone, but thanks to the confidence and techniques I gained through my courses, they have become a natural part of my role. I have also developed a deeper understanding of how communication styles vary based on the audience. I am now more attuned to nonverbal cues and can effectively assess the best approach to a conversation before it even begins.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“I chose Carthage because of its ideal location near home and its strong programs, which aligned with my academic and career goals and offered valuable real-world experiences. Additionally, the breathtaking lakefront view made the campus an inspiring place to learn — an experience I looked forward to every day.”
What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?
“My current role as project lead planner would not have been possible without the knowledge and experiences I gained at Carthage. As a transfer student, I arrived knowing no one and with few expectations, but I left as a more well-rounded and confident individual with a clearer vision for my life and career. The confidence I developed at Carthage played a pivotal role in securing my internship at the Job Center of Lake County — an opportunity that led to my early hire as a career specialist and ultimately to my current position as project lead planner.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“Professor Colleen Palmer was the most impactful professor I had during my time at Carthage, particularly in my public relations and communications courses. Her unique and creative teaching style brought real-world experiences into the classroom, making every lesson engaging and practical. One of my favorite projects in her course was developing a PR plan for a local business — a hands-on experience that provided valuable skills I still apply in my career today, including event planning, logo redesign, crisis management, social media strategy, and more.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“All of my favorite Carthage memories revolve around my roommate, Rebecca Joas ’22. Becca is such a carefree spirit, and she really helped shape me into who I am by allowing me to be myself. Becca and I were a great match academically, recreationally, and even generally. I couldn’t imagine how my Carthage journey would have gone without her!”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“My advice to current Carthage students is to embrace who you are and enjoy the journey. I spent too much time worrying about what others thought of me or comparing my path to theirs, but I’ve learned that the only thing that truly matters is focusing on your own growth and happiness. I wish someone had shared that insight with me sooner.”