By Fatima Salinas 

For communication students like Harley Atchison and Braydonn Simms, studying communication and media in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa has opened the door to a wide range of opportunities. 

From public relations and media production to business, marketing, and study abroad experiences, both students say the program has allowed them to explore their interests while developing skills that can be applied across industries. 

"I think studying communications at Iowa is such a unique experience because there's truly something for everyone," Atchison said. 

The program offers students opportunities to explore areas ranging from media communications to business and human resources while developing skills in communications, collaboration, and problem-solving. 

For Atchison, the program has provided an outlet for creativity while helping build a foundation for future career goals. 

"If you know you are creative, or you know that you want to go into public relations, but you don't know where to start, this is a good place to start," Atchison said. 

The hands-on nature of the program encourages students to apply what they learn in real-world settings while working closely with their peers. According to Simms, those experiences help students build confidence and develop professional skills in a supportive environment. 

"You get fully immersed and it feels like the pressure's on, but in a good way," Simms said. "Realistically, the people in the class, your peers, want you to succeed because their success rides on it too." 

Simms added that the program's broad selection of courses allows students to explore different interests while gaining a deeper understanding of the world around them. 

The skills developed in the classroom often carry into experiences outside of it. Atchison has gained experience in video content creation, television development, and multi-platform planning and strategy, while Simms has completed internships in sales and marketing, and studied abroad in Prague. 

"Lots of experience, that's for sure," Simms said. "But it all started here." 

As they look toward the future, both students believe the Communication Studies program has provided a foundation that extends far beyond a single career path. The combination of hands-on experience, collaboration, and creative exploration has prepared them to adapt, grow, and pursue opportunities across a variety of industries. 

"I think the degree is kind of a Swiss Army Knife of skills that I think are really useful in the real world," Atchison said.

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