Established in 2015, the Arcadia Unified School District’s (AUSD) Digital Communications Internship Program (DCI) is a fundamental program of the Communications and Public Information Office. It offers students of Arcadia High School (AHS) an opportunity to improve their advanced communications and journalism skills.

Joya Sarkar is a sophomore at AHS and is a part of the DCI, which helps her improve her advanced communications and journalism skills. This past year was her first year in the organization, and she has learned so much already. Sarkar’s time spent at DCI has impacted her immensely, as she has gained professional work-like experience that has allowed her to think about what she could pursue career-wise.

“Through this internship, I have been exposed to the aspects of digital communications, public relations, and journalism,” Sarkar said. “From learning how to use a professional camera and its plethora of settings to conducting my first podcast interview and host segments through Keepin’ it Arcadia, I have been able to explore my passions while acquiring new skills.”

Sarkar also mentioned that Ms. Nuuvali, AUSD’s Public Information Officer, and Mr. Foran, AUSD’s Chief Communications Officer, have helped her greatly. 

“They are always sharing their knowledge and expertise with us while also providing support and advice,” Sarkar mentioned. “I have also been able to connect with my fellow DCI interns and have made many great friendships.”

DCI offers a variety of teams, and among them, including journalism (broadcast, print, and digital), communications, video production, marketing, public relations, media relations, crisis communications, event planning, social media, and graphic design teams. 

Currently, Sarkar is a member of the Podcast, Graphic Design, Website, and AUSD Instagram teams. The podcast team produces podcast episodes that share a multitude of stories and perspectives within the Arcadia Unified School District. The graphic design team creates graphics for their podcast episode covers, like creating a poster that advertises in journalism competitions. 

“One personal goal I have as a DCI intern includes joining teams I have not been a member of, such as the News Writing team,” Sarkar said. “I look forward to becoming well versed with all that DCI offers and contributing to the various processes our teams go through to produce the wonderful content they publicize.”

Sarkar has worked on a variety of projects, but among them include hosting Season Five, Episode Seven of Keepin’ it Arcadia, working with Evergreen Club on campus, and interviewing the co-president, Keshwanth Puligulla, about the new compost bins around campus. Sarkar has also worked with another DCI member in producing Arcadia Unified’s first Instagram reel covering the Spring Pep Rally, which is currently close to 6,000 views!

In the future, Sarkar hopes to continue to flourish as a member of the DCI program at Arcadia, and continue her passions for digital communications. 

“One personal goal I have as a DCI intern includes joining teams I have not been a member of, such as the News Writing team,” Sarkar shared. “I look forward to becoming well versed with all that DCI offers and contributing to the various processes our teams go through to produce the wonderful content they publicize!” 

Being a part of the AUSD DCI team is not an easy feat, but if you’re interested in digital communications and journalism, make sure to try out. Prior to joining DCI, Sarkar had a small amount of experience, but a big amount of passion. Sarkar had previously taken an AEF journalism class, and enjoyed editing school video projects on iMovie. 

“No prior experience is required to join DCI, and I strongly encourage any student who has even the slightest interest in the internship or the area of digital communications to apply!”