Advice from Krysten Lewis – PR Advisor
by Lucy Respess
Krysten Lewis is an academic advisor for public relations in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia. Lewis offers her advice on academics and coursework for public relations students.
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to a newly-admitted public relations student?
A: My advice would be to take advantage of everything Grady has to offer. There’s so many different resources that the college has; from professors who can offer advice in the career field you are looking at to student organizations and clubs that can help you connect with peers and network with alumni and individuals in those professions.
Q: What is one of the biggest obstacles you see students go through when pursuing their degree in Grady?
A: With so many amazing majors, minors and certificates that UGA has to offer it can be challenging for students to kind of figure out what they can finish in a short amount of time. So, the advising team in Grady will work with each student to help figure out what programs will align with their own personal goals to kind of narrow it down. From there, we’ll put together the puzzle pieces so we can kind of figure out what students can and cannot accomplish by graduation.
Lewis poses in the stands at Sanford Stadium (Photo/Ali Gerlach).
Q: What are some of the best resources within Grady that students can take advantage of?
A: So, we have a lot of different resources that are beneficial. Again, the clubs and organizations that help you make lifelong connections with your peers. Academic advisors can definitely help you guys; we’re a great resource for your degree progress, class recommendations and we can also help you connect with different resources on campus at large. Grady also has a dedicated career consultant, who can help you with your resume, cover letters, mock interviews and so much more.
Q: Which class would you argue is the most unique or exciting within the coursework necessary for a degree in public relations?
A: So just like with clubs, this all depends on the person. This is why our elective options are just a great opportunity for students to explore different areas and subjects that are the most interesting to them and to their goals.
Q: What is one piece of parting advice you give to students about to graduate?
A: Stay connected with us. We love to hear about what each and every one of you have been up to. We love to celebrate your accomplishments as well. We have a director of alumni relations, Diane Murray, who loves to hear from our alumni.
