Public relations is intertwined within every field, especially service-learning. Service-learning gives students the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience related to their major while also helping their local community in the process.
Katie McAdams, a recent Belmont alumn, shares how she used her passion for public relations while giving back to the community.
understanding the needs of the community
“You’re learning about needs that need to be met which opens the door to so many opportunities to make an impact in whatever way you can with whatever you have.”
McAdams, well-versed in community projects, took four service-learning courses at Belmont, two of which were related to public relations. She noted that there are few investments that are as accessible and mutually beneficial as service-learning courses.
learning through service
“Being able to serve especially through the PR skillset as a senior and being able to make it into something that was real was unimaginably cool.”
She especially enjoyed PR Campaigns during her senior year with Dr. Bonnie Riechert, where she worked with three of her classmates to do PR for a local organization at no cost. McAdams worked with Open Table Nashville, whose mission is to disrupt cycles of poverty and homelessness in the Nashville area. The semester-long project focused on creating a brand book, a completely new logo, and social media content for the organization.
time is a valuable contribution
“Especially with PR, service-learning doesn’t have to be with your courses. There’s so much need for good PR for nonprofit organizations.”
As McAdams reflects on her involvement in community service, she notes how easy it is to volunteer outside of Belmont. Simply reaching out to organizations that might not have the funds or resources is one simple way students can showcase their PR skills.
opportunities await
“There’s so much need that service-learning can open the door for. I think that is invaluable especially as a college student.”
The service-learning courses McAdams took in her undergrad years also helped open the doors to new interests. Her community service tutoring with inner-city students is only one area that influenced her plans to attend law school this fall. She is focused on the public interest route, which she states is similar to nonprofit PR. She hopes to represent homeless individuals, death row inmates, and others underrepresented in the justice system.
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