As an incoming freshman, I had no idea what to choose for my major. I wanted to make sure I was making the right decision, and that it was the right fit. After taking, Principles Mass Communication, I knew that this major was right for me. I have always found media fascinating and wanted to learn more. During my four years, I have learned the effects of media, and communication, the processes, how to better communicate in multiple different aspects, and how to properly communicate. I know that sound silly when I say how to properly communicate, but after taking a variety of courses, I realized I have been doing it all wrong. I have learned how to effectively communicate with my family, friends, and also in the workplace environment. Currently, I am in a Conflict communication course. This course has taught me how to negotiate, mediate a situation, or how handle conflict in the workplace. This course has helped me in my personal life, but also professionally as well. The skills I have learned from that course will always be beneficial for me. Professionally, I am walking away with many skills I didn’t have before. I am able to create infographics, research various topics, analyze forms of communication, and how to reach an audience. Which will all be useful for my future career. You can find some pieces of my work under the portfolio tab!
The discipline I chose for my major is media. After taking Dr. Kretz, Intimate Relationships and Media course, I knew that this was the fit for me. Throughout these four years, I have learned that communication is not as simple as everyone thinks. There are various different processes, and theories that go into a small conversation. In these courses, I have evaluated hundreds of scholarly articles and learned new theories, how media impacts our everyday lives, and what media truly is. Media has taken over our society, and it is crucial to understand what we surround ourselves with daily. Generally speaking, in any media, you come across, there is always a deeper understanding and meaning. Here are the courses I have taken throughout my time at St. Norbert, and how they helped me get to where I am today; Principles Mass Communication, Communication Research Methods, Interpersonal Communication, Intimate Relationships and Media, Communication/ Emotional Well Being, Social Identity, and Intergroup Communication, Family Communication, Writing for Media, Communication Technology and Social Change, Television Criticism, Media Law and Ethics, Conflict Communication, and Mass Communication Theory.
After graduation, my goal is to go into liquor or beer sales. After trying to figure out what I wanted to do, and what my passion was, I thought of sales. I have been told I have a very persuasive personality and really can do a sales pitch. I thought of beer or liquor because that is an industry that fascinates me. I believe that it would be a good fit for me. I have worked in the restaurant industry since I was 16, and enjoy the environment. Ideally, I would love to sell to bars and advertise whichever brand to various bars. My dad has also been working in the restaurant industry basically his whole life, and being around that environment has pushed me to pursue beer or liquor sales.
Some experience that has helped me professionally was interning for a popular event planning company in my area, JMR. I started to work for JMR Fall of 2021 and started to run their social media, in the summer of 2022. For JMR, I was handling all of their social media, and also going out to work some of the parties. While serving the parties, I was constantly talking to the different guests about the company and bringing in other customers. For the social media aspect, I was posting promotions, giveaways, promoting other small businesses, and posting events that we have run. I have extremely enjoyed working with JMR, and the things I have done there. My bosses, Lisa Phee, and Colleen Connolly, made the experience ten times better for all of their employees. On campus, since sophomore year, I have been working at the St. Norbert Mail Center. The most special place on campus. You can catch me driving the mail van!
