Student Spotlight - Sonal Modi
Interviewed by Michael McAfee
Senior public relations major Sonal Modi talks about some of her interesting activities as a student, from serving on Forty Acres Fest Committee, to interning at the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, to preparing for law school after graduation.
How does it feel to be a member of the first-place American Advertising Federation National Student Advertising Competition team?
It feels great. The class we were in was a mix of advertising and public relations students who were acting as a single agency, which is unique in comparison to traditional campaigns classes. It took a lot of hard work and dedication, but it was worth it because our efforts paid off.
What organizations are you involved with on campus?
Forty Acres Fest Committee is something that I've been highly involved in for the past two years. It has been so much fun working under the umbrella of The Texas Union Student Events Center. Forty Acres Fest serves as a platform to bring student organizations, live music, and Longhorn spirit together in a festival for the UT student body and the greater Austin community.
What internships, if any, do you have right now?
Right now, I am interning with the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau. I've been working in the marketing department. It has been a wonderful experience so far and I've learned so much about destination marketing and all the amazing things Austin has to offer. I've also had the opportunity to work during events and help out with other departments in the bureau, including music and tourism.
How do you think public relations will affect your life after graduating?
I plan on starting law school this fall, and I chose to study public relations during undergrad because it's such a well-rounded major. As for the future, I've developed strong communication skills through my public relations classes, giving me a strong foundation as I enter law school and embark on the next chapter of my life.
What type of law are you looking to practice?
It's hard to say definitively what type of law I want to practice this early in the game. Most people go into law school with one idea and come out wanting to work on the other end of the spectrum. I do know that I want to do pro-bono work. I've been very lucky to have the opportunity to go to school and build my future. I want to take the skills I develop in law school and use them to give back to the community by providing legal representation for underprivileged families and doing human rights work.
What advice would you have for aspiring public relations students?
A lot of students make the mistake of joining several organizations on campus to help build their resumes. While it is important to get involved, sticking with one or two organizations and dedicating your time and commitment to that one or two will resonate more with employers than joining four clubs that you can't make sufficient time for. Additionally, I recommend joining an organization that is unique to your personality. Joining public relations-based clubs is a good idea, but also try joining an organization that is tailored to your personality. While I was involved with Forty Acres Fest, I also joined the University Theatre Guild and got the opportunity to do hair and makeup for their plays. I got to do something that I enjoyed and met some great people in the process.