Kristen Little-Class of 2011
Throughout my college career I have tested the waters in many fields, from journalism to public relations to marketing and now settled into the field of Communications. The field of Communications might seem like just a general mix of these various fields, but I have come to understand effective communication is the key to success, in any environment, from group projects in the classroom to business meetings in future careers.
I am currently enrolled in a class called Interpersonal and Small Group Communication, with Dr. Heidi Scott. After only a few weeks in the class, I can already tell how impactful this class will be on my future as a communicator. We have already begun to see effective communication is the key to success within any group setting. Since learning this fundamental idea I have been able to apply this concept to one of my favorite classes called Promotions Project, with Professor Peggy Sue Loroz.
Promotions Project is unlike any class I have ever taken at Gonzaga. It allows students the opportunity to apply skills they have acquired throughout their time at Gonzaga and use them in a real life setting. Students from various fields such as Business, Marketing, PR, Advertising, Communications, HR, apply to participate in the class by submitting a resume and cover letter and are split into groups depending on their skills. Once students are selected and groups are divided, it’s go time.
Each year the class pairs with a local company to improve their marketing and business ventures. For this year’s Promotions Project we are paired with the local Krispy Kreme located in Spokane Valley. Our goal is to open up a new target market for the company through advertising, event planning and most of all effective group communication.
Lindsey Ross is also enrolled and this year’s Promotions Project and believes, “The Promotions Project has helped me to effectively communicate because we are working with a short time frame and decisions need to be made quickly and collectively. As a result, it has been important to voice my opinions, but also to be open to the ideas of others,”
After switching my major and minor numerous times I am confident that my education has been more than filling required classes but about working to find where one excels. I am truly looking forward to being a part of such a unique class and being able to implement my skills and a communicator.