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

I am from Long Beach, California. When I first applied to graduate school, I was in my 4th year of undergrad at California State University, Long Beach, studying Communication Studies and Journalism (Graduated May 2022). After being online for two years due to the pandemic, I decided that I wanted to further my education and apply to graduate school to build my skills for my future career and find a community. I started to learn more about the world of Public Relations and Advertising, and I wanted to work in these fields in the future.

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

After deciding to get a master’s degree, it wasn’t long until I had my heart set on USC Annenberg. I researched the best Public Relations programs in the country, and USC always popped up at the top of the search. I watched videos, talked to alums about their experiences, and learned about all of USC’s resources. I chose USC Annenberg because it was very clear that the community was at the forefront of this school and program. There is nothing like the Trojan Network, and I found this out even before starting the PRA program. I also loved how hands-on the classes are, as I missed that one-on-one and collaborative experience due to the pandemic.

What have you enjoyed the most about the degree program?

The aspect I have enjoyed most about the degree program is the amount of work I have added to my portfolio since starting. Throughout my classes, I have learned so much and produced work that I am very proud of. Whether it be my portfolio website, writing pitches, or creating campaigns, all the work I have done in the program has built my skills, and I can hopefully use these projects to land my dream job. Another significant aspect is that sense of community and opportunity, as everyone in my cohort, professors and students, are here to support each other and pass along opportunities. I have been able to work on great projects, such as helping the Center for Public Relations create a video submission for the 2024 PR Week Awards, and even get a job due to the support of the community around me, and I am super grateful for that! As I am graduating this semester, I feel very proud and thankful for my decision to pursue a master’s degree, especially because of these opportunities.