‘A communications degree is a degree for all seasons’
Maverick alumni returned to campus this week to share how the lessons they learned as communications majors at The University of Texas at Arlington have influenced their careers in media, public relations and marketing.
At UTA’s Department of Communication’s Comm Day, alumni provided important insights and best practices to an attentive audience of current students, helping them connect, network and get excited about careers in communications.
“This event is the biggest day of the year for communications majors,” said Keren Castellanos, UTA sophomore majoring in public relations. “I came to learn how to be a better communicator. I think public relations is all about engaging and building relationships, and I value those things as a person as well.”
UTA President Emeritus James Spaniolo served as the opening keynote speaker. Afterward, current students participated in mock interviews, headshot photos, a business attire fashion show and a networking expo with media and corporate partners.
“Communication is pervasive in every aspect of our personal and professional lives,” Spaniolo said. “It’s a skill with endless possibilities. A communications degree is a degree for all seasons.”
Among the UTA alumni in attendance were communications leaders working at popular DFW radio station The Ticket, investment banking company Citigroup, and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Panels included discussions on remote work strategies, resilience in the industry and how to leverage internships and freelance work.
Jaclyn Traylor, a junior studying public relations and journalism, said she grew up in a small town and loves that UT Arlington is in the heart of the metroplex with lots of opportunities for networking, jobs and events like Comm Day.
“I’m looking for my first internship, and there really is no better place to find it than here on campus,” said Jaclyn Traylor, a junior studying public relations and journalism. “UTA’s Department of Communication really goes all out to make sure events like this are worthwhile for students to go to. I feel like they are looking out for us as and are collaborative in helping us find jobs after graduation.”
Hannah Farrow (’20 BA, Communication Studies) gave advice to Mavericks on making sure to ask their own questions as they interview for jobs after graduation.
“It’s important to inquire to make sure the leadership of where you work is a good fit for you,” said Farrow, who currently works in UTA’s Office of Human Resources. “You want to find management that has clear goals and values in mind, so you are able to grow in your career in a positive and efficient environment.”