After a semester unlike any other, the PR at Belmont blog caught up with current seniors in the public relations department to hear about what helped them navigate what their Fall 2020 semester had in store for them. With COVID-19 protocols and an altered semester schedule, things on campus and online looked quite a bit different, but our students and faculty were certainly able to make some lemonade out of the lemons 2020 had in store.
How did the PR department help you make the most of this semester?
“The department made me feel incredibly loved. In my senior capstone, I got to walk through life with other seniors in my major as we shared the good and bad of our lives as professionals and students.” – Sophia Johnson, senior
“Honestly, the PR department helped me make the most of the semester by just being here for me and with me. Both professors and other students recognized how stressful things were and everyone was just willing to help each other out.” – Molly Barresi, senior
“PR Capstone pushed me to network with more people online and build those relationships with PR professionals.” – Alexia Berton, senior
“They helped set me up for professional success as I look for finding jobs and begin to network within the PR field.” – Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, senior
“I felt very supported by my professors and was able to really lean into my peers for help with connections, professional materials, etc.” – Cameron Corey, senior
“The PR department was understanding of what we were going through as students and were more than willing to accommodate.” – Aliah Tayyun, senior
“The PR department has been so supportive and understanding this semester. They have done a great job molding the curriculum to fit this hyfelx model. My professors also always check on how I’m doing and they really mean it.” – Rileigh Skelton, senior
“The greatest benefit of my Capstone class was taking the time to develop an entire professional portfolio built around my brand as a public relations professional. It has provided me with everything I need to stand out in my job search.” – Lindsey Falgoust, senior
“The PR department is always such a great resource for it’s students. In such a tricky semester they’ve offered me so much advice and encouragement recently.” – Shelby Cage, senior
“The professors are extremely helpful as always. Dr. Bonnie has never failed to answer my last-minute, scattered emails asking for help on classes, internships, making connections or even just advice. The entire department has been so graceful with the transition to virtual and incredibly understanding and flexible towards students’ needs.” – Emily Stembridge, senior
“Senior Capstone has been formative in preparing me for graduation. Learning about the expectations and realities of the professional world have been tremendously helpful in informing my post-graduate endeavors. Also, the PR faculty truly go above and beyond, in every respect, to make students feel cared for. I cannot imagine what my college years would have been like without the support of this amazing group of professionals.” – Katie McAdams, senior
“Just giving me the tools to succeed, especially in PR writing!” – Rachel Smith, senior
“Their support and resources they provided helped me make it through my last semester of college.” – Gabi Howell, senior
A private, four-year university, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service. The University’s purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world’s needs. Rewarding career opportunities are offered in public relations and Belmont University offers degrees in both public relations and social media management. Since the establishment of the public relations major at Belmont in 2004, our public relations graduates are in demand throughout the region, from coast to coast and around the world. To learn more, visit http://www.belmont.edu/pr/index.html.