Today we speak to senior Alana Walker who double majors in Public Relations and Advertising. Alana is from Browns Mills, NJ (Burlington County) and transferred from Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC.) She is involved in the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), the student-run firm PRaction, and Women of Color Collective (WOCA).
Why Rowan?
I thought that Rowan had the best opportunities. Especially because, financially I was not able to go to any other university. Rowan had so much to offer and I was really interested in the Music Industry program that they had here originally. But then I realized that I loved public relations more and realized I could do advertising as well. Seeing how the classes go hand-in-hand together here I thought it was the best opportunity.
How would you tell a fellow student interested in your major that they’re choosing a worthwhile field?
Here at Rowan, you gain relationships with your professors because you often see them in more than one class or club. This is beneficial to your experience because it allows you to have open dialogue to understand what it is you want to do with your major following graduation.
Tell me about a time that Rowan felt like home?
Well now especially with COVID going on my living situation changed a lot. Being that my professors have been there to help me every step of the way and been a support system for me was very beneficial. Housing has also given me the option to stay on campus for winter break. Overall it really has allowed me to feel welcomed here as a transfer student.
Why continue with your education this year instead of taking a gap year?
I took a semester off before transferring. When I took that semester off I was looking into schools and trying to figure things out financially. But then with COVID it definitely changed a lot of things for me. But I was definitely determined to finish because I had already got so far and took so many summer classes to be able to graduate on time and thought I should finish rather than taking another semester or year off and pushing it back even further.
What are your professional goals?
My number one is to work in the music industry. I love music and the industry but I am very open to other options. I am also interested in political public relations and anything in the entertainment field would be ideal for me. I am applying to multiple kinds of internships to get a taste of different industries.
Anything else?
Getting involved for me was number one. Sometimes being a transfer student it can be harder to make friends on campus. Rowan does a great job of trying to immerse everyone to the Rowan life. I was able to join clubs that a community college would not have and meet people in that way. Even with COVID I was able to meet people by being a part of Student Government Association (SGA). I am an academic senator for the College of Communication & Creative Arts. Being in that, I am able to communicate with the dean of the school and meet people with that. So being involved is definitely number one.
Like what you see?
Story and photography by: Stephanie Batista, sophomore Music Industry major
