Desirae Gostlin
Desirae Gostlin is a first-year Master of Mass Communications student. Her reporting has been featured in The Waterfront and Lexington Life Magazine.
Posted November 14, 2016
By Desirae Gostlin, first-year Master of Mass Communications student
Photo: Career Services Manager Katie Bullard discusses internship opportunities with
junior public relations major Jalena James from Santee, South Carolina.
Freshly minted Career Services Manager Katie Bullard started her new position in May and is already off to a running start. Friendly and focused, she connects students in the School Journalism and Mass Communications with opportunities that they otherwise may not have had.
“My ultimate goal is to help students find experiences to gain knowledge in the field,” Bullard said. She believes that “having an internship is a great way to expand your skills beyond the classroom.”
Formerly the school's assistant director of development, Bullard developed relationships with alumni which has helped her to expand the internship opportunities the school provides. Students can browse internship opportunities from a variety of categories including public relations and advertising agencies, government, media, non-profit and even opportunities in markets outside the Columbia area.
Senior Kyle Haden credits Bullard with facilitating his internship as a videographer with Home Works of America.
“Even from the first meeting we had, I could really tell that she had a personal investment in helping me find a position that fit my goals as a videographer,” he said.
Internships are not mandatory for journalism students; however, Bullard says that they are a great way to build a portfolio and network with industry professionals.
Students and faculty both agree that Bullard's position is a valuable resource for students to achieve their fullest potential.
"Katie is a big asset to the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. She is knowledgeable, approachable and energetic," said Dr. Andrea Tanner, director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Cindy Justice, assistant dean for student services, credits Bullard’s proactive and engaging style for her success in helping to connect students with internships and possible job opportunities.
“Katie Bullard’s role as career services manager is critical to the career success of SJMC students. Katie is here to support students during the search and celebrate the successes of finding that dream job,” says Justice.
In addition to helping students find internships and practicums, Bullard also assists students with career coaching, job searching and resume and cover letter review. She is also in charge of facilitating and managing scholarships for the J-school.
Big picture career guidance is a key component of Bullard’s job.
Bullard is a personal resource for students and an unbiased third party to help process what a student’s next steps might be both in the J-school and upon graduation.
Only seven months into the new position, Bullard is loving working with students daily and seeing those relationships grow.
"My favorite thing is when a student drops by my office to share good news simply because they want to," Bullard said. "I can honestly say I look forward to coming to work everyday to help our students."