By: Audrey Goodstein
I have to pick a major for college. Or do I? I have no idea what I want to do. Maybe I’ll just go “Undeclared”. These are some of the questions that swirled in my mind while applying to colleges. It was stressful and overwhelming because I hadn’t fully figured out what I wanted for my future. That’s normal, right?
Initially, I was drawn to the idea of pursuing a career in fashion, in some capacity. Throughout high school, I had a love for style and trends, and I thought that channeling this passion into a career in the fashion industry would be a natural fit. So, I got a job at the trendiest clothing and jewelry boutique in my area. However, I HATED the sales aspect, and just did not perform well in this area. It stressed me out and I felt like other employees were given more hours because they were just better at selling.
I was so much more interested in the creative side of the business, specifically in social media. I started creating TikToks to showcase jewelry and accessories from the boutique. I had so much fun experimenting with editing, creating engaging content, and finding new ways to promote the store’s brand. I also took it upon myself to redesign the jewelry displays, making them more visually appealing and attention-grabbing. This creative process sparked something in me—an interest in marketing and advertising that I hadn’t fully realized before.
So before the senior year began, an online lifestyle brand that I follow, Creative Jawns, was looking for high school seniors to be brand ambassadors. I SO desperately wanted to be chosen, because not only would this give me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in social media marketing, content creation, and branding, but I’d also get to meet 15 other high school seniors on a weekend-long brand trip and get the coolest free “swag”! I couldn’t believe it, but I was chosen out of over 100 applications. It was a year-long ambassadorship, and I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
To help me understand the industry just a little bit better, in senior year I also took a class “Apparel & Accessories Marketing and Merchandising”. I thought, “If I actually enjoy this class and do well, I think I can possibly major in something like this while at college”. There was one creative project/final where we had to come up with a product, design it, and create an advertising campaign across traditional and social media platforms. I absolutely loved it, and of course got an amazing grade!
This is when I knew I wanted to study something related to communications, but I wasn’t entirely sure what specific program would be the best fit. That’s when I started researching Ohio State University’s communications program. I spent hours reading through course descriptions and career paths, and I was immediately drawn to the variety of classes and the flexibility the program offered. The more I read, the more excited I became. The major classes didn’t just sound interesting–they sounded like the perfect blend of creativity, strategy, and real-world application. I was also excited by the career paths outlined on the program’s webpage, from advertising and public relations to digital marketing and media strategy.
One of the most exciting parts of Ohio State’s communications program was the extra-curricular opportunities available. There are a variety of student-run clubs, such as PRSSA and the PRactice, as well as internship opportunities and other resources that would allow me to get real-world experience while still in school.
While I am still learning and questioning what specific field of study I’d like to focus on, I’m really excited to continue exploring the world of communications, marketing, advertising, and PR. I’ve already had a great first semester as a participant in the PRactice and PRSSA, which has already given me invaluable learning experiences. I’ve come to realize that finding the right major is not about choosing the perfect career right away, but rather about discovering where your passions intersect with your strengths. For me, marketing and communications have become that intersection, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.