Olivia Armstrong

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

Coming from a marketing background in undergrad, I knew I wanted get a more firm grasp on the relationship and reputation side of communications, after having learned business side. When I was searching for programs, the esteem of Boston University’s public relations program convinced me of the caliber. But the vouchers from alums convinced me of the value. I also knew I loved the city of Boston and knew it had great opportunity for working in media and communications after school.

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

My time in COM got me ready for the reality of working in communications and not just theorizing about it. The internship opportunities helped to expose me to large base of PR agencies, but my time in PR Lab actually allowed me to experience and do more work. Additionally, the professors that I met and made connections with have been instrumental in my professional growth.

What have you been up to since you graduated?

I am still in Boston, living in the Brighton area. After school, I searched for jobs and got offers at both an established PR agency and a smaller marketing firm. I choose the smaller agency for the opportunity for development and have worked there since January.

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

Currently, I’m an account executive at a marketing agency, doing a wide variety of communications work, even beyond PR. We work with primarily, business-to-business clients in the healthcare and finance spaces. Our firm most often serves as an outsourced communications department for both emerging and established businesses. The most exciting part about my job is the variety of work I get to do and the amount of responsibility I have. As a small team, we have to go all hands on deck. I have been able to do work well-above what is usually prescribed to my position, and I am learning how to be a well-rounded communications professional and how to run an agency.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering the Public Relations (MS) program?

Do it. You’ll form great connections with stellar professors that will care more about just teaching you but will also mentor you. You’ll get a core foundation of PR theory, but also practical experience that will be useful in the field.

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 Olivia's LinkedIn profile here.