Denise Joseph

Why did you choose the Mass Communication: Communication Studies (MS) program?
When I applied to the College of Communication I was completely unaware of how powerful the learning and classes would be. I choose Mass Comm because this program allowed me to take the widest array of classes.

How did your time at COM help prepare you for your life post-COM?
This list is endless. In my new job, I use my COM skills all the time! Through COM I gained a communication toolbox filled with practical tactics to create messages that reach my audience. I learned to use concise language. I began to think about the story from my audience’s perspective. Then there’s apologies. In any organization, you always have to say you’re sorry. Crisis PR taught me the importance of acknowledging and writing an apology. New Media made me aware of the psychological implications of digital marketing. Communication Law, the scariest class ever, helped me value this country’s laws that protect our freedom of speech.

What activities did you participate in while you were a student at COM?
I was a Senior Editor for the COMmunicator. I loved working with students to help them write good stories. I worked with students to develop a series of 3-minute interviews, which were short, quick stories about creative students at BU.

What have you been up to since you graduated?
My job title in BU’s College of Engineering is “LEAP Program and Student Relations Manager”. My job is about messaging, audience engagement and building community. I manage a program for students from liberal arts backgrounds who are working towards a Master’s in Engineering and I manage a digital marketing campaign that reaches 1000’s of students who are applying to Master’s program in the College of Engineering.

Can you talk about your current position? How did you choose it? What makes it exciting?
What I love about my job is that there is no set path. I have to come up with a plan to build community and to create messages that will resonate with engineering students. I’m learning to analyze our engagement in emails, events and information sessions. My job is about finding the words and digital images that convey a message. An ideal recipe for me.

What advice would you give to students in the Communication Studies (MS) program who will soon graduate?
Soak it up! Take classes that you think are outside of your comfort zone, that’s the best way to learn. Write and write and write. Ten page papers and presentation projects are a great way to learn to convey your ideas and convince your audience – your professor and your classmates that you have a good idea. Dig deep and you’ll reap the rewards.