What motivated you to pursue graduate school, and how did you decide on your specific program or field of study?

My primary motivation to attend graduate school was my experience in the Research Apprentice Program (RAP) for the School of Communication at San Diego State University. During my time as a Research Assistant, I collaborated with faculty from the Communication department and the University of San Diego Moores Cancer Center’s oncologists and dietitians on a Health Communication project. Although my interest was related to Health Communication, my time as a research apprentice encouraged me to apply to graduate school and continue conducting communication research. Once I determined my research interests, I explored research-based media and communication graduate programs. Ultimately, my decision was based on the program that I thought would be the best fit for me academically and provide strong theoretical and practical training for the future.

What are your short- and long-term goals after graduate school, and how do you see your degree helping you achieve them?

My short-term goals after graduate school include earning a full-time position as a communications professional based in Los Angeles, ideally in the Arts or Entertainment industries. In the long term, I hope to work in the non-profit sector as a communications consultant and eventually give back to the arts community. My current graduate program will provide me with valuable experience in the field and a foundation of media and communication knowledge, which will be essential for working in a rapidly evolving field.

What advice do you have for YOLA Alumni about the graduate school application process?

My advice is to reach out to professors at your current undergraduate institution who have attended the programs you hope to apply to or who have similar research interests. Looking up faculty and reading their CVs is extremely helpful in providing a general idea of what each program specializes in and what their alumni have gone on to accomplish. I have found that most faculty members are happy to chat about their experience in graduate school and provide guidance during the application process. Lastly, I recommend implementing an organizational system to prepare your application documents. This will make it easier when the time comes to send information to your recommenders or upload your documents to the application portals.