Tower & Bridge Communications at The University of Texas at Austin
As the only student-run social media and public relations agency at The University of Texas at Austin, Tower & Bridge Communications offers students a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience in the advertising and public relations industry. Founded by students in 2009, Tower & Bridge Communications is a collaboration between Texas Student Media and Moody College of Communication’s Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations. Within this student-led agency, student members work with local businesses and non-profits in Austin, Texas. Members gain valuable hands-on experience and skills that prepare them for their future careers within the industry.
The agency intentionally provides students with immersive firsthand experiences often not available in traditional internships offered at larger agencies. Students take on real client projects, collaborate with peers, learn from industry professionals, and develop relevant skills in a supportive yet professional environment. Tower & Bridge Communications “teaches agency life because it's student-run. It's all students. We have an advisor that helps with our budget sometimes, but it's students coming together, being able to bounce off of each other creatively, which I think is special and rewarding.” said Mary McKenny the Director of Membership at Tower & Bridge Communications.
Members produce their clients' deliverables such as social media campaigns, public relations campaigns, and other creative content. The student members fill various professional positions such as account manager, social media manager, content creator, public relations manager and analytics. Savan Shah, the co-director of Tower & Bridge, discussed when “working directly with clients, even if you're not the account manager, you're still working to get deliverables in for a client. You're understanding deadlines, you're understanding how to communicate with your peers, clients and the leadership team.” This year, Tower & Bridge Communications will work with The Good Hippie, The Rise School of Austin, Katie Kismet, Austin Speech Labs and Mario’s Seafood.
Students are not required to be advertising or public relations majors to join Tower & Bridge Communications. The agency is open to any student with a passion for all things involving advertising and public relations. If you’re looking to join an organization that builds your personal and professional skills, Tower & Bridge Communications may be the perfect fit for you. “I learned a lot of interpersonal communication skills. I know many people I've talked to feel like [Tower & Bridge] built up their confidence a lot. I feel a lot more comfortable in my internship and classes to step into a management role or communicate with someone professional in the industry,” said Co-Director Abby McGehee.
Tower & Bridge Communications is an innovative student-run advertising and public relations agency that fosters a collaborative community of aspiring professionals. The agency offers unique opportunities to engage with real clients and projects, helping students build in-demand skills and samples for their portfolio. With a commitment to creativity and growth, Tower & Bridge Communication empowers students to explore their advertising and public relations passions. Whether you want to enhance your resume or gain invaluable industry insights, joining Tower & Bridge Communications is a pivotal step in your professional journey.
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