Where are you from and what were you doing before enrolling in graduate school? 

My name is Hanbing Jia, and I go by Capri. I’m from Weifang, China — the capital city of kites. Springtime there is especially beautiful, with children flying kites all around. I studied communication as well during my undergraduate years, where I gained much experience in traditional media through internships in television and the film industry. 

What ultimately led me to the MCG program was the growth of my RedNote account, where I’ve built a following of nearly 20,000. Creating content opened doors to professional opportunities and helped me realize the power of digital platforms in shaping brand narratives. After that, I interned at two major public relations agencies, Edelman and Ogilvy. Those experiences pushed me to further explore the marketing world — an area where creativity and business strategy intersect. 

How did you learn of the degree program and why did you choose USC Annenberg? 

USC has long been at the top of my list as one of the leading communication schools in the United States, and the MCG program is especially well known for its strong curriculum and faculty. Interestingly, I first learned about the program through RedNote, where I saw consistent positive feedback about the professors and the career outcomes of past graduates. 

I chose USC Annenberg for its creative culture, its location in Los Angeles, and its strong industry connections. As a dancer, LA’s vibrant creative and dance communities were a major draw for me. Annenberg is also incredibly supportive of international students and provides access to top opportunities in the communication and media industries. Through the program, I’ve been able to secure an internship at TikTok, which has been a defining experience in my professional journey. 

What have you enjoyed the most about the degree program? 

What I enjoy most about the MCG program is how it seamlessly blends creative marketing with emerging areas like AI and data analytics. The curriculum evolves quickly to reflect industry trends, with courses covering topics such as AI, data-driven strategy, and even cultural industries like K-pop. 

Annenberg stays closely aligned with technological and industry developments, which makes the learning experience both relevant and forward-looking. I’ve also been incredibly impressed by the faculty — many professors are industry leaders who teach from real-world experience. They provide thoughtful, actionable feedback and are genuinely invested in helping students succeed.