Author: Megan Montgomery

Why consider graduate school

On Feb. 19 Belmont’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter hosted a panel discussion about the benefits of attending graduate school. Professional panelists included Anna Kate Tefft Ross of MP&F Strategic Communications, Erin Mercer of Jackson National Life Insurance and Hope Cooper Buckner of DVL Seigenthaler. For two years, Buckner has taught the Nonprofit Public Relations & Development class at Belmont.

The speakers discussed their personal experiences with attending grad school, explaining that it is an experience meant to enrich students’ education experiences in a new type of setting. According to the speakers, graduate school is an opportunity to experience education rather than just absorbing it. It is a course of study intended for people of all ages and all interests, so those who do enroll in graduate programs can apply real-world knowledge from their career paths to what they learn in their classes.

“I’ve had a wonderful experience in grad school,” Ross said. “As a working professional with 15 years of experience, my MBA coursework has given me new tools to do my job well.”

Considering the opportunities available to graduate students the speakers mentioned diverse perspectives in class, networking opportunities and the chance to write an extensive thesis. A graduate degree can be a worthwhile investment for some students. Ross touched on how she had “met some amazing students and professors throughout this experience.” She is so glad she “took the plunge.”

The speakers wanted the audience to remember, however, that whether graduate school ought to be considered varies from student to student. Students should consider all available options and assess whether graduate school is right for them.

Written by Evan Dorian
Edited by Olivia Toliver, Catie VanStratum, Jade Faber, Megan Montgomery

Internship Opportunity: The Andrews Agency

The Andrews Agency is looking for a bright, eager, rock star student or recent graduate to join our team for the semester as an intern. Responsibilities include public relations planning support, event support, social media content creation and scheduling, writing assignments, building and updating media lists, research projects, and various administrative and organizational tasks.

Qualifications

Their ideal candidate would possess strong writing skills, have the ability to manage multiple tasks with attention to detail and be a team player. The position is ideal for a junior or senior majoring in marketing, communication, public relations or media, or a recent graduate of a related field. Previous internship experience, as well as proficiency in graphic design, is helpful but not required.

Compensation

The position is unpaid, but will provide meaningful experiences and relationships for an individual interested in pursuing a career in public relations or communications. They are willing to provide the documentation needed in order to receive course credit.

About the Staff and Clients

The Andrews Agency is a full-service public relations and marketing firm located on Music Row in Nashville, Tenn. We are a small and mighty staff that works in a fast-paced, dynamic setting to provide our clients with exceptional results. Some of our current clients include Iroquois Steeplechase, The Lipman Group, Messer Construction, Carnton Plantation, Carter House, The Palm and Bavarian Bierhaus. For more information about The Andrews Agency, visit www.andrewspr.com.

Contact Information and Application Procedure

Interested applicants should send a resume, relevant writing samples, three references and semester availability/preferred work schedule to juliann@andrewspr.com. Please, no phone calls.

About The Andrews Agency

The Andrews Agency is a full-service public relations, marketing and event management firm. Founded in 1990, our goal is to develop and execute the needs of our clients. The synergy of the company comes from a true understanding of the public relations business and how it interfaces with a variety of clients from retail to restaurants and entertainment to non-profit. Our services include content creation, media relations, website planning, community relations, strategic partnerships, marketing, consultation, event planning, social media strategy and graphic design.