As I have spent more time in Gaylord College, my interest in studying public relations has increased. As the time for enrollment for spring classes approaches, I have sought out opportunities to talk to different people about majors and career paths. This week I got to talk to Lori Stevens, an OU public relations alumni.
When Lori was in Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, it did not look the same way it does now. She was at OU a few years before the current College of Journalism building, Gaylord Hall, was completed. You had to know your way around to find the newsroom or the yearbook room. Today, all the studio spaces and workrooms for Gaylord are together in Gaylord Hall with study spots and classrooms mixed in. However, Lori still remembers the “family feel” Gaylord college had, even without the brand new, fancy building. This family feel is something that has already stood out to me in my short time at Gaylord. As this was a very positive thing Lori remembers, I am glad this tradition has continued within the college.
Lori was not always a Gaylord major. She started as a pre-med major, and switched to public relations her senior year.
“[It was] a little bit of a crisis moment,” Lori recalled. “I was going to do orthopedic surgery…this is what I said I was going to do since third.”
She told me a little bit about her process of choosing PR.
“I really had some friends that were in journalism. I knew that I had always done well with writing.”
Though she could not see herself as a journalist, she came to realize that her strengths and interests lined up with public relations.
“I think I did really appreciate the writing opportunities I had in PR.”
Additionally, many of the classes she had enjoyed over the years were related to social sciences. This interest turned out to be very useful for understanding, predicting, and changing human behavior, skills that come in handy for PR.
Many people have told me about the great connections and networking opportunities Gaylord college provided them with. Lori’s stories echoed this sentiment. One of her favorite Gaylord electives was a class about public relations in sports.
“Mick Cornett taught it.” Lori told me. “He was mayor of Oklahoma City for a while, but before that he was a sports reporter.”
Through this class, Lori was connected to other public relations professionals. For one assignment, she got to interview someone who worked for the Miami Dolphins.
These connections also led Lori to an internship.
“Someone from the NOAA Weather Center came and spoke about their PR experience or opportunities there, so I chatted with her after the meeting and ended up doing a small internship.”
Today, Lori’s career has taken her beyond the realm of public relations, but she still uses the skills she learned from the major.
“I speak a lot with the work I do. I’m either teaching or instructing or giving presentations.”
The writing and speaking skills she honed can be used anywhere. She also gained graphic design experience through another elective. This has allowed her to create designs or brochures.
“That’s been helpful and cost saving, and fun for me to have that sort of creative outlet.”
Lori even learned about research.
“Different types of research methods that would work in a qualitative setting,” she explained.
Overall, Lori is a great example of the wide variety of opportunities that come with a major in public relations. As my college career continues, I cannot wait to discover more!