At the beginning of my sophomore year, I enrolled in Public Relations Strategies, a course that laid the groundwork for understanding how and why PR campaigns are designed, as well as the internal and external factors that influence their timing and implementation. The course emphasized the critical distinction between strategy—the long-term vision and framework guiding communication efforts—and tactics, the specific actions and tools used to carry out that vision. By analyzing real-world campaigns and engaging in applied projects, I learned how organizations identify key publics, set measurable objectives, and select tactics that align with larger goals.

Beyond theory, this course strengthened my campaign planning and message development skills, teaching me how to assess audience needs, anticipate potential challenges, and recommend communication approaches that maximize impact. I also developed stronger abilities in evaluating case studies, identifying best practices, and applying strategic thinking to practical scenarios. This experience not only enhanced my knowledge of how PR campaigns achieve measurable results but also gave me the tools to approach communication with a balance of creativity, critical analysis, and organizational awareness