Studying Abroad: A Journey of Career and Growth in ADPR
Ryan Clark’s Impactful Experience from Rome to Cannes’ Festival
By: Darien McEnroe
From conquering the streets of Rome to traveling to Cannes, France, Eli Broad marketing major and public relations minor, Ryan Clark, had the study abroad experience of a lifetime. She says it was an opportunity to shape her career and lead her closer to her future.
“I wanted to explore a different country and culture. Plus, I’ve always had a love for traveling,” Clark said.
While living in her apartment in Trastevere, Italy, and soaking in another culture, she was able to take ADPR classes at the American University of Rome. She took PR 330, a course that focused on social media management, and ADV 402, a course focusing on public relations and advertising. She says PR 425, a class on public relations ethics and tactics, was her favorite.
“PR 425 was the course I enjoyed the most by having the chance to explore Rome while learning at the same time,” said Clark.
Taking group tours as a class activity for PR 425 gave Clark hands-on experiences and allowed her to apply her skills in real-world aspects such as, taking photos of Rome.
“Living in Trastevere was a gift itself, and rooming with new people helped push me out of my comfort zone. I came to Rome with a few close friends but deciding to not live with them really gave me the chance to form new relationships that I would not trade for the world,” said Clark.
However, Clark did not spend the whole summer in Rome. She also had the chance to attend the Cannes Film Festival, where she had elite access to meet and talk to industry leaders. Clark was able to use her networking skills to help her succeed post-graduation.
While Clark is now back at Michigan State University’s East Lansing campus, she says she’s used the skills she learned from The American University of Rome and Cannes Festival to secure a current internship at the Profitability Analytics Center of Excellence, where she focuses in advertising and PR.
“Being able to talk about what I learned in my classes abroad and talking with companies at Cannes, PACE was impressed,” said Clark.
Clark also shared a few tips she has for students who are planning a summer study abroad.
“You must wear comfy shoes, have a water bottle at all times (it gets hot!), and do not be scared to try new things and meet new people,” said Clark.
Clark’s journey abroad was more than just a vacation, it was a steppingstone into her career, leading her to countless opportunities.
For more information on the Rome ADPR study abroad trip, visit: https://www.instagram.com/adv_ala_med/.