EL Journeys

My EL Journey

Friday, March 1, 2024

by Olivia Lamme

Starting my freshman year at UGA in 2020 amid the pandemic, I had no clue what college life had in store – from making friends to choosing a major. I opted for a public relations degree from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. I quickly fell in love with the people, professors and courses in Grady, thus proving my decision to be a great one. I smoothly sailed through undergrad, even tacking on a general business minor along the way. 

It wasn't until my junior year that I realized I still needed my EL credit. A moment of panic set in as I feared falling behind schedule. Fortunately, my advisor reassured me, pointing out that I had plenty of time and plenty of options to choose from. In the fall of my junior year, I applied to every study away program I was eligible for. The applications proved to be straightforward and easy to complete. By the end of the semester, I had secured my spot in the International Mass Communication in CroatiaMaymester program.

I had no idea of the profound impact this trip would have on me. Guided by the insightful UGA professor, Dr. Ivanka Pjesivac, I not only learning about Croatian communication culture but also witnessed it come to life through engaging lectures and presentations by local journalists and news specialists. Alongside 15 fellow UGA students, I toured news facilities and studios, immersing myself in Eastern European culture. One of the trip's highlights was a visit to N1, CNN International’s local broadcast partner and affiliate. There, I got a fascinating behind-the-scenes look into the world of media production.

Summing up my Croatian experience in a few paragraphs would be impossible. Outside of the classroom I explored Croatian cuisine, arts and culture, while connecting with students from around the globe. To anyone contemplating a study away program, my advice is simple: just apply. Despite initial nerves, this program gave me 15 new friends, diverse work experience and stories to last a lifetime.

Upon returning from Croatia, I started my first job as a Media Relations Intern at UPS in Atlanta. I applied to a ton of public relations jobs during my junior year but wasn’t having much luck securing interviews. In February, I went to the Grady Career Fair and spoke to a representative at UPS. She told me about the position they were hiring for and encouraged me to apply. Within the month, I got an interview and received the offer. UGA’s career resources allowed me to earn a spot at a Fortune 500 company.

During my time at UPS, I pitched my first-ever story and landed coverage in three news outlets in the Jacksonville area. From there I continued to draft and pitch media advisories and story pitches to outlets across the US. Additionally, I worked closely with eight other communications interns, many of whom were UGA students as well. Together we created and presented a thorough communications plan in front of the Global Communications executive board.

While working at UPS, I began exploring internship positions in Athens. I wanted to make some money while balancing school and social life. I struck gold when I landed a job at Visit Athens, GA as their Digital Marketing and Communications Intern. This role honed different skills, including social media and blog creation. Working alongside a fantastic boss, I had the chance to write about my second home: Athens, Georgia. Beyond my regular tasks, I had the privilege of exploring the vast construction site of The Classic Center Arena. Excursions like these made me feel like an integral member of the team and enabled me to write about ongoing events in the city.

Currently, I serve as the Digital Media Intern at the Office of University Experiential Learning, making it fitting to reflect on my incredible EL experiences. I explored the world, learned from international professionals, formed amazing friendships and created an extensive professional network across three companies. No one’s EL journey is the exact same, and that’s the beauty of it. Don’t think of EL as just a graduation requirement; see it as an enrichment opportunity that can propel both your personal and professional life forward.

Olivia Lamme is the Digital Media Intern for the Office of University Experiential Learning at the University of Georgia. Learn more at UGA Experiential Learning. Stay up to date on all of UGA’s Experiential Learning programs at el.uga.edu and follow us on Instagram.