Kaylee Larson, a senior on Missouri State University’s swimming and diving team, did not have her sights set on a clear career path when she started school at MSU. However, it did not take the student-athlete too long to find her path within the Department of Communication as a public relations major.

“During my sophomore year, I needed to take a few more general education classes, and I decided to take an introductory COM class as a result of hearing good reviews about the professor,” Larson said.

After being introduced to the different communication classes during the course, Larson decided that communication would be “the perfect fit.”

Students in the Department of Communication are often actively involved with hands-on projects within the university and outside sources. The experiences that the undergraduates are presented with give them more personal experiences within their fields of study.

“In some of our upper division courses, we are given the opportunity to partner with non-profit organizations here in Springfield and help them plan events, better market their program(s), or offer any additional insight we might have to help create a better organization,” Larson said. “Along with that, there are less tests, and more projects which I think helps students to better build portfolios and resumes.”

Upon graduation in May next semester, Larson feels ready to apply her skills beyond that of those she has used in a university setting.

“I’ve always wanted to start my career out in a non-profit,” Larson said. “I think some of the greatest PR work can be showcased in many ways through non-profit organizations. After some time in non-profit, I would like to eventually work in a corporate setting.”

The student athlete credits her communication family for her academic successes as an undergraduate.

“I love everything about being a COM major,” Larson said. The connections I’ve built with my classmates have been great, the faculty is beyond amazing, and I’ve learned so much about how to effectively utilize communication in the workplace to successfully practice public relations after I earn my degree.”