An Electrifying Educational Experience: UWG Students Learn from Communication Professionals at Georgia Power Share this page
Sparking an exciting intersection of education and industry, University of West Georgia communication students recently ventured beyond the classroom and into a corporate media center to learn directly from communications professionals at Georgia Power.
As part of a hands-on learning experience blending media and career development, these students gained direct knowledge through presentations and behind-the-scenes insights from seasoned industry professionals. The opportunity not only provided a rare glimpse into the multifaceted world of communications in a corporate setting, but it also amplified students with real-world connections and knowledge that could shape their futures.
“Opportunities such as this allow students to have firsthand knowledge of how a corporate company strategically utilizes internal and external communications,” explained Dr. Hazel Cole, UWG’s public relations head in the School of Communication, Film and Media (SCFM). “These are privileged opportunities that advance student exposure and learning. When a company invests in students as part of their corporate social responsibility, it is a powerful way to make connections that could lead to internships, volunteer opportunities and sometimes career opportunities.”
Cohosted by Jacob Hawkins ’06, Georgia Power’s director of public relations, and Matthew Kent, a Georgia Power public relations and communications specialist, UWG public relations and bluestone students spent a day in Atlanta at Georgia Power’s corporate headquarters.
With an itinerary filled with opportunities to connect with corporate leaders, these students learned about various communications topics spanning internal and executive communications, multimedia communication and stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, social media management, media relations, and sports marketing and corporate partnership building.
“I decided to attend this event to connect with others and gain an understanding of what it is really like to be in the communications field as well as gaining an understanding of the daily operations as a Georgia Power employee,” said Kelsey Johnson, mass communications major. “My biggest takeaway from this experience is to always be your authentic self because it will direct you to the place you’re supposed to be.”
During their visit, these students even had the unique opportunity to tour Georgia Power’s Storm Center and production studios. This event provided students opportunities to ask thought-provoking questions, network and gain practical advice from some of Georgia Power’s influential communications practitioners.
“If you can work in crisis communication, you can do anything,” said Michelle Tims, Georgia Power’s crisis communications manager. “To learn as a professional to think like a communicator who needs to switch gears, all while keeping your cool, allows you to do a lot. It’s a wonderful development opportunity.”
Making sure to include motivational components during his presentation for UWG students to take with them, Andrew Huff, Georgia Power’s stakeholder engagement communication manager, left students with these wise words of counsel.
“As communication professionals it is our job to find a story and tell it greatly,” said Huff. “Remember to do that, give back, volunteer and know that there is something you can learn from every situation that comes your way.”
By partnering with Georgia Power’s professionals to put together this experience for these students, SCFM continues to showcase the importance of and dedication to hands-on learning and the value placed on enriching student learning experiences at UWG.
“I love giving students a macro view of the professional and ethical practice of public relations,” concluded Cole. “It’s important for students to have career-readiness experiences that showcase the broad range of skills needed to become a successful practitioner.”