Mass Communications Student Pursues Her Passion Through Hands-On Experience Share this page
Senior mass communications student Lauren O’Bryan came to the University of West Georgia excited to pursue her passion for production and media – a love she first discovered through photography in high school.
What began as a creative outlet eventually evolved into a professional calling.
“I knew that I wanted to immerse myself in the world of media, but I did not know where to start academically,” O’Bryan said. “I met with my advisor and the Office of Career Services, and from there, changed my major to mass communications with a concentration in public relations and a minor in psychology.”
After solidifying her major, O’Bryan began her experiential learning journey through UWG Productions, where she created media content for the university. Sharing her work online caught the attention of University Communications and Marketing (UCM), and she was hired as a digital content strategist assistant and social media ambassador. At UCM, O’Bryan was able to refine her media skills through professional experience.
O’Bryan was also introduced to bluestone, a student-run public relations firm at UWG, where she later served as firm director, managing a team of peers and communicating directly with real-world clients.
“It has been the most helpful to see the seamless flow between what I am learning in my public relations courses and professional application,” O’Bryan said. “In bluestone, you work with real clients. It’s more than an assignment; you have the opportunity to gain real-world experience in a learning environment before you graduate. You can perfect your writing, people skills, communication and how to present yourself to employers, all while earning your degree.”
Taylor Bryant, associate professor and creative director for bluestone, praised O’Bryan’s leadership and growth.
“Lauren is a phenomenal leader because of her commitment to excellence in every way,” she said. “bluestone was the perfect environment for her to sharpen those skills, combined with her determination and dedication. This firm demands real accountability, strategic thinking and adaptability, and Lauren consistently rose to that level. I can’t wait to see the amazing career she will continue to build as a result of all the experience she has gained from bluestone and beyond.”
Inspired by the mentors who guided her journey, O’Bryan now hopes to one day mentor future public relations students herself. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in higher education.
“I love the environment of being on campus,” O’Bryan said. “I like the energy, the positivity and the overall pursuit of experiential growth for students. I hope to go into a university setting and plan, execute and create digital content for them.”
As for any advice for UWG students seeking experiential learning opportunities like internships, she urged them to “absolutely go for it.”
“Put yourself out there, even if you are on the fence about getting involved,” O’Bryan added. “Take the opportunity to figure out what you are passionate about while you are in a learning environment, and it will leave you confident, knowing how to present yourself to employers.”