By Madi Zick
When I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in communications in May of this year, I had no idea what to do. Should I start a “big girl” job and move on from school, or try and go for my master’s degree? I decided to go for my master’s. I figured, if not now, when would I have this opportunity again? West Texas A&M University caught my attention because I could do all of my schooling online, and my sister also graduated from WT. What I did not expect was to find an opportunity like 1910 PR.
An email arrived from Dr. Kinsky asking if I would like to join the student-led PR firm at WTAMU. I didn’t even know West Texas had one until then. Dr. Kinsky saw my profile in a graduate student handbook that was sent out and decided to reach out to me about joining the firm because of my answer to the question: What do you want to do with your degree? I answered that I plan on either becoming a communications, public relations, or social media specialist for a company.
The first meeting that I was able to attend, I already had an assignment! To say I was stressed is an understatement.
Even though my minor was public relations at my previous school, Texas A&M-Commerce, I did not know what I was in for with 1910 PR. Having to create graphics, post on multiple social media platforms, come up with captions to go along with the graphics, these were things I had not done for anyone other than myself and my soccer team. Now, after learning these skills this semester, I already feel semi-confident in my public relations skills.
While this experience has been challenging, all that I have learned so far has been worth it. In addition, I was invited to join the leadership team for the firm as a graduate assistant (GANT). I was nervous to be a part of leadership because I work a full-time job, but I am very thankful for the responsibility and opportunities that have come from being one of the assistant directors for the firm. I am glad that I was able to be a part of 1910 PR this semester!