From Classroom to Campaign

By Gracie Powell

Coursework becomes your professional launchpad

We’ve all been there — sitting in a class that feels boring, confusing or completely unrelated to the job you want to pursue. But what if those assignments are actually the launchpad for your career?

Before I ever stepped into an internship, I had already written press releases, practiced pitches and built media kits in my advertising and public relations classes. What I didn’t realize at the time was that my coursework is the very blueprint PR professionals use every day. Every assignment mirrors real deliverables of strategists and creatives. The minute you understand your assignments serve a strategic purpose in your career, the more you’ll learn to think like a PR pro with every press release and crisis statement you write.

The shift toward hands-on learning

In an article for PRSA, Michelle Galey says educators are increasingly moving away from traditional lectures and papers and towards more hands-on experiences such as simulations, case studies, certifications and practical assignments that mirror real-world scenarios in the industry.

She states, “In my classrooms, I have witnessed how these hands-on experiences boost student confidence and nurture critical thinking, problem-solving skills and effective communication.”

Photos by Emily Jean Morgan

This semester, PRCA and PRSSA hosted a crisis simulation workshop where students had the opportunity to work through a real-time scenario and draft strategic responses for

internal and external audiences. This was a prime example of the type of hands-on experience that sets UA graduates apart.

The University of Alabama also gives students access to the same tools professionals use on a daily basis, including Adobe Creative Cloud, CommsPoint, Mintel, Simmons Insight and many more. Being familiar with these tools gives students an advantage when it comes to the competitive job market.

Image via Adobe Stock

Skills that set communicators apart

Not only does The University of Alabama prepare communications students for real world work, but it also equips students with soft skills that can’t be taught in the workforce. Communication with professors teaches professional communication skills, group projects build teamwork and clubs and organizations grow impactful leaders.  

Building a strong foundation

Your education is a foundation of experience, skills and confidence built long before you step into your first internship or job. Build that foundation strong, so that when you do enter your first job, you’re prepared to tackle anything that comes your way.