This past May, Dean Michelle Kazmer of the College of Communication and Information (CCI) traveled to London, where she caught up with CCI alumni Dr. Arif Dagli, Dr. Ummuhan Yesil, and Gianna Mitchell. The visit highlighted the many ways alumni are building careers and making a global impact. 

Gianna Mitchell, a CCI graduate who received her Master’s in Integrated Media Studies, combined two interests she nurtured at Florida State University (FSU) to build a career–soccer and media communications. 

“I initially went over to the UK to play soccer for a team called Nottingham Forest for two years, and while I was there, they saw I had a degree in marketing,” said Mitchell. They asked me to help out on the social media side for our men’s team, so I fell into a marketing consultant role while I was playing.” 

Beyond those who met with the Dean, CCI alumni across a wide range of industries, ranging from content creation to finance, have built successful careers abroad in London. Their experiences reflect how CCI equips graduates with a versatile set of skills that have opened doors across the globe. 

“I knew how to tell a story from all the courses I took at FSU. I was lucky enough to go to the study abroad program and get some great advice from professors along the way,” said Melanie Todd, a CCI Media Communications alumna. “Doors opened for me because of my professors at FSU, and I took it from there to make my experiences and identity my brand, and I have my own travel brand now, Sunny in London, and it has turned into more than just a website.” 

The knowledge students gain through their coursework provides skills that go far beyond a career in their major. Alumni find themselves using what they learned during their time at CCI to pursue careers in other areas as well.  

“My degree gave me a very broad set of skills, and my employer and I went into those skills during the interview process of my current job in finance,” said Frazer Baron, a CCI alumnus in Information Communication Technology. “I have that skill set now that allows me to be confident in the communication aspect of my career, like being able to talk to key stakeholders.” 

The city of London also offers exposure to a culture and professional environment unlike those found in the United States. It’s a blend of global influence, rich history, and diverse opportunities that creates a unique setting for both personal and career growth. 

“I was choosing between England and Mexico, but wanted to experience football culture in England,” said Mitchell. “I think London is one of the best places to experience. There’s just a melting pot of cultures, with so many different people to meet, and there is always something to do.”

Through CCI’s varying programs, students and alumni gain the skills, perspectives, and connections needed to pursue careers and opportunities far beyond the boundaries of their university. This allows them to create experiences like no other in a brand-new environment with various places for professional and personal growth. Whether across the country or around the world, CCI alumni are equipped to confront new environments and grow.