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

I’ve lived in Lake Forest, California with my wife and our dog the past four years. Before Annenberg, I was a Communication Strategy and Operations officer in the Marine Corps for a little over eight years, most recently stationed aboard Camp Pendleton. While in the grad program this fall, I got hired as a public affairs specialist with the Department of Justice.

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

USC was my dream school as a kid. Leaving the Marine Corps, I wanted to continue public affairs in government service and use the GI Bill to get a graduate degree at the same time. USC allowed me that opportunity and I haven’t looked back. The Public Relations and Advertising Master’s is the best program of its kind in the country. There was no question in my mind where I wanted to go for my graduate education. 

What have you enjoyed the most about the degree program?

The faculty and guest lecturers are superb. The career insights, professional guidance, and networking from this elite group are second to none. I’ve always looked for guidance and sought out mentors who were 10, 20, and 30 years ahead of me in my career path to see how someone else navigated similar decisions I’m facing now. It’s motivating to see alumni visit and say, “Here’s how I got from where you are now to where I am today.” I think it’s immensely helpful in setting my classmates and I up for success while we’re students and even more crucial once we finish our studies.