Alina Rubezhova

Why did you choose the Public Relations (MS) program?

In undergrad, I majored in Journalism and Communication Studies (double). I always knew I wanted to do something with writing and within communications but never necessarily knew what. I ended up taking a PR class within the Journalism program and absolutely loved it – loved that you can help a business/company/nonprofit build its reputation, set its strategic direction and overcome obstacles. When I was looking at master’s programs a couple of years after graduation, BU came on my radar and after connecting with the COM Grad Services team I knew it was the right direction for me.

How did your time at COM help prepare you for your life post-COM?

Some of my professors have been invaluable. They helped me make the connections I needed to get where I had always wanted to be. I secured an internship with Weber Shandwick (NYC office) for the summer before my final semester and that eventually turned into a job after graduation. If it wasn’t for COM and the people I’ve met I don’t think I’d be where I am now – not to mention I still keep in touch with my COM classmates, both near and far.

What have you been up to since you graduated?

I started working at Weber Shandwick in NYC as an Assistant Account Executive immediately after graduating (quite literally, I drove back home to New York [state] on a Friday and started work that Monday in mid-December). It’s officially been just over three years here and I’ve loved every second of it. Since I’ve started, I’m now an Account Supervisor and living in my favorite city. I’ve also kept in touch with a few folks at Arthur W. Page Society (who I interned with), and had helped out coordinating events with them over the years.

Can you talk about your current position? How did you choose it? What makes it exciting?

I work within an agency so I get the excitement of agency life – which means every day is different. I have about six clients on my roster right now, so one day I could be writing a press release for a major announcement, or forming a communications strategy around a new company initiative, or even collaborating with my team to help roll-out a rebrand internally. What keeps it exciting is it makes every day different – not to mention I love my team.

What advice would you give to students in the Public Relations (MS) program who will soon graduate?

Take advantage of all of the resources at COM and stay in touch with professors and students. You never know where someone will end up. This industry can be all about networking, and as such, network! Also, intern, intern, intern! That is, if you haven’t already. An internship could turn into a job, or at least get your foot into the PR world. It will also help you decide where in PR you actually want to be.

View Alina's LinkedIn profile here.