What inspired you to pursue a master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications, and what made you choose to complete both your undergraduate and graduate degrees at West Virginia University?
I am a 4th-generation Mountaineer and have long wanted to attend West Virginia University. When I was introduced to the Reed School of Media and Communications and the advertising and public relations program during my senior year of high school, I fell in love with this field of study and was eager to begin my studies here. I always envisioned myself pursuing a master's degree after completing my undergraduate studies. However, it wasn’t until I joined the Reed School that I discovered how to turn this dream into a reality. My inspiring professors and fellow students in the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) program introduced me to the 4+1 program, and I knew it was the right choice for me.
Being a 4+1 student (starting your graduate courses while finishing your senior year of undergrad) comes with a separate set of challenges. How do you stay positive and motivated through the stress?
Balancing my undergraduate and graduate courses this semester has been an exciting challenge. The steady pace of the IMC courses, combined with the support from my professors and friends in the program, has helped me stay organized and keep up with all my assignments. I also rely on my Google Calendar and physical planner every day to stay on track!
How has your experience with online graduate courses compared to your on-campus undergraduate courses?
My online courses have been structured similarly to the courses I took during my undergraduate program, particularly in my strategic social media classes. This consistency has been beneficial as I transition from undergraduate to graduate school. Additionally, the professors in my undergraduate program set a very high standard for my experiences with professors, and my first few professors in the IMC program have continued that excellence. They have been wonderful to learn from and work with.
What are your career goals, and how do you see your master’s degree helping you achieve them?
I am currently focused on envisioning what my next chapter will look like. I aspire to build a successful career in the IMC field, particularly in digital communications. The added knowledge and skills I have gained through an extra year of study and an additional degree from the university have equipped me to confidently take on whatever lies ahead.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had received before starting this program?
I would say the most challenging aspect of the IMC program is managing assignments. Since the schedule is consistent across all courses, it's crucial to stay ahead by planning and working on upcoming tasks to keep up with the workload.
What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
As I mentioned earlier, I come from a long line of West Virginia University graduates, and I have been cheering for the Mountaineers my entire life. My family dog is actually named after our former president, Dr. E. Gordon Gee, and yes, he wears a bowtie!