Sierra Wilson, a senior communication major, is on track to attain her dream job by attending graduate school at American University in Washington D.C. next year. She will be pursuing her master’s degree in strategic communication with a concentration in public relations and crisis management.
Wilson’s future goal is to work at a public relations firm for a big company like Google, Netflix or Apple. She would also love to one day work for the White House’s communication team.
According to Wilson, she plans to be the next Olivia Pope.
She mentioned that she thinks this field of work is perfect for her because she has always liked speaking in front of a crowd and helping people solve their problems.
“Working in a fast-paced environment is something that I’m good at as well, so this major is a good fit,” Wilson said.
Founded in 1893, American University is a private, Methodist-affiliated institution located in northwest Washington D.C, just a short metro ride from downtown D.C and the national mall. It is home to about 13,000 students and offers over 160 programs.
Wilson also looked at a couple of other schools, including Westminster University and George Washington University. She chose AU because it is top 5 in the nation for their public relations program. She also loved the location of the school and the professors that she met on her visit there.
Wilson said the professors reminded her of the faculty here at Saint Vincent.
“They want to get to know each of their students on the personal level,” Wilson said. “They were super friendly and were willing to help me with anything and answer any questions that I had.”
Wilson noted that she will definitely miss the tight knit community that Saint Vincent is known for and she will miss the relationships she has formed most of all. She is, however, thrilled to venture to the nation’s capital to begin the next chapter of her life.
Transitioning to a school in D.C. will be a major adjustment for Wilson since she’s never lived outside of the Pittsburgh area. She mentioned that she is nervous but looking forward to meeting new people.
She is especially excited about the diversity that D.C. has to offer and what she can learn from the people she meets. The university itself has students from all 50 states and over 150 countries.
Wilson said that she could see herself continuing to live in D.C. after she graduates but would love if her job required her to travel to other states and countries.
“I like a spontaneous lifestyle. I’m super willing to travel for work so that’s another goal of mine,” Wilson said.
Wilson plans to spend the summer working to save money for school and spending as much time as possible with her Pittsburgh friends and family.
She is a graduate of Woodland Hills High School and enjoys reading a good book, listening to music and watching Netflix.
Photo: Wilson