Sabrina is a transfer student earning her BA in strategic communication.
What did you decide to pursue your major?
Toward the end of high school, I was having a difficult time deciding on what I wanted to study in college, but I knew it had to be something focused on people and writing. Initially, I wanted to teach English abroad but quickly realized that teaching was not something I wanted to do for the long-term. I stumbled upon the Mass Communication major while studying at Anoka Ramsey Community College where I learned about the different ways communication professionals assist in informing the public and work together to address a crisis. While working on a mock crisis management plan assignment, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in public relations so I could help bridge the gap of miscommunication from the media to the public. I graduated from Anoka Ramsey with an Associates of Arts in Mass Communications and transferred to the University of Minnesota to earn my bachelor's in Strategic Communication with a focus on Public Relations.
What has been your favorite part of your experience at the Hubbard School?
I don’t have a specific experience that I would consider my favorite but in general, being here and meeting the different people, staff, and professional guest speakers is something I enjoy on a daily basis.
Which course or professor would you recommend to other students in your major?
I recommend taking a course with Stacie Swenson. Her career history, and extroverted personality has made me feel welcomed and comfortable enough to come out of my shell. Every class I’ve taken with her she gets to know the students, your goals, hobbies, and interests. She is also a great person to talk to about career opportunities, options, and overall concerns and doubts on your major decision, or just hype you up when reaching out to professionals.
What minors, internships, or activities are you pursuing outside of your major? How do you think these enhance your majors and/or your future career plans?
Beyond the major I've interned with the Metropolitan Council, LED by Truth, and volunteered with organizations like the Ann Bancroft Foundation and Story Arts of Minnesota. By working with these organizations, I learned more about the communication side of the public sector and pushed myself outside of my comfort zone. I entered spaces anxious and fearful that I might make a mistake, but left with new connections, opportunities, and improvement on skills, specifically my writing and conversational skills.
What advice do you have for future Hubbard School students?
Don’t be afraid to make yourself known! Say hi to your classmates and professors during class and after class. Initiate that first connection between your peers, professors and yourself, because the worst that’ll happen (as cliche as it is) is that you tried and put yourself out there.
What is one aspect of your major that has surprised you?
The Strategic Communication major is versatile, you can choose to focus on Public Relations or Advertising, but you also don't have to focus on one industry. There are many opportunities to learn skills that can be applied throughout the industries, which keeps your options open for internships, career opportunities or networking.
