Stephanie McInnis hails from Rhode Island. She originally moved to Charleston, SC to earn her undergraduate degree from the College of Charleston in International Studies and a minor in Health. Her experience working at the Motley Rice law firm in RI, the National Association for Continence, and Rotary Conferences as well as her involvement on the CofC Women’s Health Research Team has helped prepare her for a research-focused graduate experience in the Master of Arts in Communication program at the University of Charleston, S.C.
Why did you choose the Master of Arts in Communication program at College of Charleston?
I chose this program because ultimately it was the next step in reaching my career goals. I had a lot of trouble finding jobs out of undergrad, and by suggestion from a trusted professor, I looked into the MA in Communication program. I realized that to advance my research goals and experience, as well as better prepare myself for a future in health communication on an international level, this program was the perfect fit.
Describe a project or experience relevant to your MCOM program of study that you are currently working on or have already accomplished (graduate assistantship, research project, internship, etc.)
I am currently a graduate assistant in the Health and Human Performance Department. This is a great way to surround myself with health-oriented faculty. Additionally, I am working on a telemedicine research paper for the Women’s Health Research Team that examines access to healthcare in rural South Carolina. Finally, in October, I attended APHA in order to further my experience in the health communication field.
What are your plans following graduate school (professional career, doctoral program, personal aspirations, etc.)? Why?
My plan following graduate school is to pursue a professional career designing and implementing public health campaigns and initiatives in underdeveloped countries. I would love to live abroad and gain first-hand experience working with organizations – such at WHO or UN REACH programs – that have missions that are highly attractive to me.
What is one piece of advice that you would give incoming graduate students?
You will use this degree post-graduation, and the knowledge you gain in just the first month will prove that to you!
What is a fun fact about you that most people do not know?
I used to play the oboe.
