Meet Ariana Andrade
Ariana is a recent first-generation graduate from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University majoring in Public Relations. She was President of the Association for Women in Communications student chapter on campus and now she is expanding her involvement in AWC to the National level as the Editor of the AWC blog, Trending.
Currently, Ariana is back home in Orange County, CA, and is on the prowl for a job. She is passionate about using her professional skills to strengthen communication and relationships with the intended audience. She enjoys doing this through brand awareness and impactful social media posting. She is looking to start her career in non-profit development or at a public relations agency.
Get to know the face and the brains behind the blog read this Q&A with the new editor-in-chief!
What interested you about a career in communications?
Growing up, I wasn’t familiar with what a career in communications was or what that meant. I knew I wanted to find a career that would allow me to use my skills to help people. It wasn’t until I became a part of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communications at Washington State University did I truly understand what communication is. Through my courses, I learned the true impact communications had beyond knowing how to speak in public. It was through learning how to work with the real organizations in the community to implement a communications plan and campaign did realize I wanted to do this as a career. I realized I enjoyed the strategic and creative process of these plans and this was something I can see myself doing for a long time.
What’s the best lesson you learned in college at WSU?
The best lesson I learned during my time at WSU is to learn how to be meaningful in the things you do. I am always willing to be involved and provide my assistance whenever I can, sometimes this would affect me negatively. I was doing a million things at once and was unable to give enough time and energy to everything. I learned it’s okay to say “no” and devote your energy to a few things than to say” yes” to everything and end up not being able to deliver everything to its full potential.
Who is your role model and why?
When I am asked who my role model is, there is no particular person that comes to mind. Instead, I have created a “role model” based on the amazing people in my life whose qualities I admire and try to implement their styles into mine.
How do you measure success?
I measure success through growth. I evaluate what my knowledge was before and after I do something and if through the experience, I was able to gain from it. Sometimes people measure success by numbers and feedback but those may not always be the best sources to rely on. If I can walk away with valuable knowledge or be able to master a task, then I consider that to be a success.
What advice do you have for college students studying communications?
Take advantage of every opportunity you have! During your time in college you will meet so many people from all different backgrounds and with different perspectives- utilize that, learn from your peers! Connect with your professors, the advisors, and staff on campus – you’d be amazed how supportive these individuals are when you create meaningful relationships with them. I also encourage you to participate in as many things you can (within reason). Sure, getting A’s in your classes is important, but the experiences and relationships you create are more meaningful in the long run. Be kind and give yourself grace, don’t compare your journey to others because yours is unique and everything will work out in the long run.
What are you reading/listening to?
As a recent graduate I’ve been trying to implement more meaningful listens and readings into my daily lifestyle. I listen to quick news podcast every morning like, First Up by NPR to know the important topics and discussions that are currently occurring. I’ve recently been listening to a lot of webinars in public relations through the PR Council Agency-Ready Certificate program about meaningful tips and advice on how to be successful and prepared for agency life. However, I’m open to adding more podcasts and good-reads in my life, so leave a comment on your recommendations of what I should start reading or listening to!
How do you like to spend your day/days off?
My go-to when I have a day to myself is to SLEEP IN. Other ways I enjoy spending my free time is spending time with my family, going on hikes, exploring my surroundings, and trying new cuisine.
What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement thus far in my life is my success during my time at WSU. I am the first in my family to get a bachelor’s degree and the first to move out of state. When I moved to Washington, I made a promise to myself to take advantage of my time there and that’s exactly what I did. I became involved by being in leadership positions in AWC, became an orientation counselor for the university, was a Murrow Ambassador, and had an internship with the business college all while going to school full time. After I “graduated” (COVID-19 style) I walked away proud of all the things I was able to accomplish during my two years there. There were many long and demanding days, but the outcomes and memories I made were worth it.
Here’s an article the school newspaper did on me about my involvement: https://dailyevergreen.com/78601/roots/murrow-senior-student-leader-looks-to-future-in-california/
What motivates you?
What motivates me is understanding the goal I’m trying to achieve. Knowing the purpose or the reason behind my actions holds me accountable.
For example, if my goal is to have a relaxing evening, that motivates me to not leave the dirty dishes for later or get my responsibilities done during the time I allot myself because if not, my goal will be harder to achieve and I can’t spend my evening watching Tik Toks on what I need to order next from Amazon.
Why AWC?
At WSU I wanted to find an organization that would help me grow professionally and as an individual. I decided to go to the informational meeting the AWC WSU was hosting to see if this was a group, I wanted to invest my time in. That first meeting I learned the mission and values of AWC and knew I found the right organization. My school’s chapter had an amazing advisor and student leaders who were passionate about our professional development and provided the resources needed to ensure that. I had the opportunity to become the vice president and eventually president of the WSU chapter during my time there.
When I attended the AWC national conference that’s when I knew AWC is something I want to be a part of beyond my college experience. The women I met there were so encouraging and genuine about uplifting each other to be the best version of themselves. Since then, the connections I made have positively impacted me in more ways than one. I’m excited to continue my involvement by being a part of the MarCom committee and an editor for the Trending blog.
