It’s my junior year at the University of Northern Colorado, and it feels like just yesterday I set foot on the campus as a wide-eyed freshman full of excitement and direction. Three years later I am still full of excitement. However, I have recently changed direction from business management to journalism with an emphasis in public relations and advertising.
When I think of my decision to change majors when I had already completed ¾ of my undergraduate career, I replay an ongoing conversation with my mother.
She will say, “BreOnna, you need to hurry up and graduate. You’re going to be 45 and still working on your four-year degree.”
I then chuckle and say, “Better late than never,” reassured that my academic change is for the better.
Because of my fear of the unknown, it took me a while to muster up the courage and strength to pursue PR as a career path, but I decided to take a leap of faith. I have always believed it is never too late to follow your dreams. So, several weeks ago when I saw the opportunity to engage in PRSA Colorado’s Shadow Day, I immediately signed up.
So here I sit at MGA Communications thinking to myself it was no easy feat getting here, here being this place in my life and at MGA. On the way here, I missed my exit and couldn’t find parking for about 15 minutes. But I have to remind myself, “Better late than never,” and this opportunity has definitely been for the better.
The personal and professional climate of MGA Communications is most exemplary. I was amazed by the variety and amount of work that circulates throughout MGA. The composed, nearly serene, atmosphere of the office is a stark contrast to the number of projects being handled. Employees say they are able to handle their workload with composure because of their ability to organize, manage time and work as a team. These are all invaluable skills that they were able to build upon working at this agency.
The MGA team has been tremendously helpful throughout this process, offering invaluable advice about what it means to be a PR professional and the best ways to go about succeeding in this field. Persistence and dedication are two characteristics that have not only been discussed throughout our individual meetings, but exemplified in the way they speak about the work they do. This experience has further prepared me to become a professional in this field, and I am exceptionally appreciative of their insight and hospitality.
