Student Spotlight: Meagan Bennett

Job Title: Marketing and Communications Manager for the Office of Information Technology at The University of Alabama

Location: Hoover, Alabama

Current UA Online Program: MA in Communication Studies with a Specialization in Organizational Leadership

Undergrad: BA in Public Relations, Minor in Communication Studies

The University of Alabama, 2013

Fun Fact: “I wish I was Ina Garten.”

UA Online students live across the country. Recently, we found out that one of our students from the Birmingham area works on campus, so we sat down to chat about her experience as a UA Online student.

UAO: Communications Manager? That sounds fancy! Tell us about your job! What does a day in the life of Meagan look like?

MB: I market all IT services to the University community, including at events like Get on Board Day or Bama Bound where I welcome new students and let them know about our IT services. I’m in regular communication with different campus audiences to remind them about existing services and tell them about new ones. I also work with our cybersecurity team daily to inform our campus community about any threats.

UAO: So how does a master’s degree in Communication Studies (Organizational Leadership) fit into and help you achieve your career goals?

MB: The program gives me more confidence in my current role as well as the confidence to step out and pursue other opportunities in the future. I already had a foundation from my bachelor’s, but with this program, I’m diving deeper into the field and understanding more about the theory and the why behind communication, which helps me draft better messages to engage more effectively with our audiences.

UAO: How has the program changed your approach in your current role?

MB: I take more time to think critically about messaging based on the research and knowledge gained from my coursework. The program has encouraged me to pursue greater achievement in my career’s next steps. Working in PR and communications, I honestly hadn’t considered pursuing an advanced degree because I thought field work was more vital to my career, but this program has proved that wrong.

UAO: Why did you choose the UA Online program?

MB: UA Online seemed like a good fit with my schedule and need for balance with work and everything else. I liked the idea of an online program where I could complete the coursework on my time after work hours, but also have the option to meet with faculty on campus if needed.

UAO: Have face-to-face meetings with faculty been necessary to your success in the program?

MB: Not necessary, but they offer a better understanding of UA and a better relationship with the faculty. I would encourage all distance students to reach out to faculty, even via FaceTime or other technology channels, so that you can engage with them and form a better relationship that can be beneficial for future opportunities. A real dialogue allows them to speak into your career aspirations.

UAO: Have you found faculty to be engaged and invested in you personally?

MB: Yes! I think we have to remember they’re experiencing this similarly to us — totally online. Reaching out to them individually takes the relationship to another level. The Communication Studies faculty love hearing about my experiences with the courses and my career goals, so that they can not only help me, but also provide a better learning experience for all students.

UAO: Your job sounds pretty involved. How do you stay on top of your schoolwork and handle everything that’s on your plate?

MB: That was the biggest challenge to overcome for me. I’d been out of school for four years, and learning how to be a student again was difficult. In the first semester, I tried to do a little bit every day because I didn’t want to get behind, but I learned quickly that didn’t work for me. I work better in large chunks of time to knock out several assignments in one study session. Rather than a little every day, I blocked off Tuesday and Thursday evenings as designated school nights. It really taught me a lot about myself, honestly.

UAO: What’s your favorite thing about the MA in Communication Studies program?

MB: My favorite overall experience in the program so far has been the Conflict and Negotiation course, because it’s been the most applicable to my work life and my life-life. I actually dreaded the class because it’s the only one that requires a few synchronous meetings and I feared it would limit my time. Every other course I had been able to complete at any time I wanted to. But I enjoyed connecting with my classmates in small groups and as a class online and having real experiences together where we were learning about a concept and applying it in real time.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that the program coordinator for the MA in Communication Studies is really good about knowing that work comes first. There have been times when I’ve been thinking about increasing my course load, and she’s good about understanding and encouraging a career-student balance.

UAO: Prospective students sometimes worry about lacking a sense of community since they won’t be on campus for class. How would you describe the community aspect of your distance program?

MB: Honestly, I’ve been shocked at the amount of friends I’ve made in the program. I’ve really enjoyed meeting other students who are in my classes and texting during the week about certain projects and just about life in general — including pet photos, of course! It’s nice to be in a class where you know everyone else is working full time, and everybody’s got their own deadlines and personal stuff, and we’re all in this together and learn from each other’s experiences.

I am so looking forward to meeting some of my friends from across the country at graduation because it’ll be the first time we meet face to face after talking online these past few semesters.

UAO: What’s one tip you have for people who may be considering enrolling in a UA Online program?

MB: Jump in! There will definitely be challenges, but after you take one class, you’ll be so motivated to practice what you’re learning that you’ll push yourself to complete the program.