By: Heather Waldo
“What can I do with this degree?” thought Lauren Irby (’12) when she came to Longwood University for her undergraduate degree in 2010. Her story is one that answers that question because you’re not limited to just broadcast or working in a public relations agency. Irby would be the first to tell you that you have more options than you would think.
Lauren Irby (’12)
Lauren Irby was a Communication Studies major with a concentration in Public Relations as well as a Psychology minor. Since she graduated from Longwood, she has had many career experiences. Throughout her journey of working in a public relations agency in Richmond to a Communication Specialist for Southside Electric Cooperative to now a Manager of Public Relations and Community Outreach at Delaware Electric Cooperative, her Communication Studies degree has helped her every step of the way.
“In Crisis Communication with Dr. Bill Stuart we would do press conferences where we would be interviewed, and you would have to get yourself out of a situation or figure out how to respond.” Lauren mentioned that her Communication courses really helped her in life as well as in her careers. “And that’s huge because as the spokeswoman for my company it helped to have that experience of a mock interview, working in groups and so on.” She also mentioned how Organizational Communication, Public Speaking and Research Methods were particularly helpful later on in her professional life.
Lauren also touched on the dynamic between Digital Media and Public Relations students. There is no real tension between the two (only during the #REALCOMM Competition) but sometimes they can seem to be on opposite sides of the spectrum. However, Lauren noted how working with Digital Media classmates really helped her in her careers. “What I particularly enjoyed was how Digital Media and Public Relations were separate, but we worked together a lot. For instance, in Crisis Communication, the Digital Media students asked us questions…Being prepared and anticipating the needs of the media helps and working with them in the Maclab, as majors and friends on campus.”
You may have seen Lauren Irby on TV for a recent advertisement she did for her company. She mentioned how she knew what the production team needed help with due to her experiences working with Digital Media concentration students. Lauren said how she still gets a little nervous being in front of a camera but that, “Giving presentations and working with all kinds of people through Communication Studies really helped.”
Behind the scenes of filming Delaware Electric Cooperative’s Annual Meeting.
Going back to the age-old question of “What am I going to do with my degree after I graduate?,”Lauren provided some advice. She mentioned how recent Communication Studies graduates shouldn’t feel trapped in a box post-graduation. She noted how there are more career opportunities than you would think, even if they seem out of your league.
“There’s a lot of focus on being a public relations person for an agency, but there are opportunities in both digital media and public relations in places you wouldn’t expect…What they’re looking for is your skill set. They’re looking for your ambition and motivation, they’ll teach you the topic. They want the writing and the expertise, and you will learn the topic.”
Lauren is a prime example of what all students should strive to be, versatile and willing to learn. The communication skills she gained while at Longwood carried her through many different circumstances. Her story is a good reminder of how having a Communication Studies degree will benefit you in more ways than you can even think of.