JMC Alumni Spotlight: Andrea Pyka

• What was your major and how did you select it? Did anything influence your decision?

  • As a former Mass Communications Major with a focus on graphic design, I was drawn to the School of Journalism and Mass Communications' examination of new media technologies, and the ways in which they shape the evolving world of journalism. It was through the program that I learned a great deal about the power of visual communications, leading me to further explore the combined value of words and images on a page in my professional career.

• Did you enjoy your time, while in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications? How was it interacting with peers and professors, while enrolled at San José State University?

  • Combining a multidisciplinary approach with traditional and modern mass media techniques, the professors at the School of Journalism and Mass Communications not only encouraged me to develop new skill sets but also broadened my interest in the various areas of mass communications. I was continuously impressed by the dedication and support of the professors, who strive to help their students succeed inside and outside the classroom. I also greatly appreciated the unique perspectives and diverse educational and professional experiences, that each of my fellow peers contributed to the insightful classroom discussions.

• What was your first job after graduating from San José State University? What career did you pursue and why?

  • My interest in visual and written storytelling was further solidified when I led the marketing efforts at a design and innovation firm, where I merged my background in journalism with my passion for design to create narratives around diverse product experiences. It was the subject matter of the courses, my experiences at various print and online mediums throughout the duration of the program, and my involvement in the student publication Access magazine, that positively influenced my entry into the field of marketing.

• What is your advice for graduating students from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at San José State University?

  • Staying in touch with your professors and peers upon graduating, can result in a network of helpful resources for potential opportunities and advice for career growth.

• What is your advice for prospective students interested in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at San José State University?

  • Be open to exploring other areas within Mass Communications that you may not be as familiar with or have not yet considered. I enrolled in the program with the intent of pursuing a career in newspaper journalism and ended up developing a strong interest in magazine journalism and visual design.