Humans of Strat Comm: Tim Ryan
Columbia, Mo. (March 19, 2016) — Senior Tim Ryan is an involved and dedicated strategic communication student.
Tim originally came to MU interested in pursuing graphic design through the Art department. After realizing he could gain these skills through strategic communication courses, Tim knew that he had found his academic home.
These days, Tim serves an account executive for his AdZou capstone group and is enrolled in Events and Promotions Techniques. He is also captain of the Mizzou Cheerleading team. Tim has used these experiences as opportunities to build and improve his management skills.
“I’ve enjoyed every second of working on my communication, leadership and people skills,” Tim said. “Whether it’s as AE of my capstone group or as captain of Mizzou Cheerleading, I have gained valuable time and project management skills that will easily transfer to many jobs and industries.
Outside of these activities, Tim is gaining further communication and time management skills from his internship at the University of Missouri System. He focuses primarily on internal and employee communications, doing everything from drafting official UM System emails to maintaining blogs and updating web pages.
After he graduates in May, Tim will pursue his master’s in journalism as part of the Missouri School of Journalism’s 4+1 master’s degree program.
“I really want to learn about all facets of strategic communication by pursuing my gradate degree,” Tim said. “So far, I’ve mostly been focusing on creative and management, but I’d like to learn more about PR and media planning. My dream is to be an account executive at a large full-service agency.”
Although Tim is expecting the next chapter of his life in graduate school to be demanding, he understands that it’s all a matter of perspective.
“I’ve never been busier, but I absolutely love it! I’m gaining great experience through my involvement, but it’s still important that I maintain a good work-life balance,” Tim said. “To any students not in a capstone class yet: I promise, you can do it!”
Updated: September 22, 2020