Written by Marlowe Dunn Flom

Julia Feldner is pursuing a dual degree in Public Relations and Art History with a minor in Museum Studies. With this unique combination of studies, Feldner reveals how communication students can successfully apply what they learn to their particular academic and career goals.

“When paired with arts coursework, which forced me to think critically about historical frameworks, my PR experiences tuned me in to more timely issues in the art world,” Feldner said. “Specifically how museums and other cultural institutions are navigating an increasingly digitized world while managing criticism about representation. As niche as these arguments may appear, there are teams of PR professionals working behind these organizations ensuring the public views the arts as a space for inclusion,” she added.

In this way, Feldner’s education is preparing her for her long-term goal of working for a cultural communications agency that manages global galleries and art fairs. With School of Communication courses like PR Writing, Feldner is developing her own writing voice suitable for speaking on behalf of museums and learning the kind of strategic communication that can make the arts more inclusive.

In addition to her academics, Felder also worked as a social media intern with Young Musicians Unite (YMU), a non-profit music organization, and as an intern at the international entertainment agency known as The Rhythm Foundation. She states that these experiences gave her “helpful insight on what the arts and entertainment careers look like through a PR professional’s eyes.”

Thanks to her dual degree, Felder has united her passions and explains that it has prepared her to uniquely succeed in her desired field. “It gives you an opportunity to not only focus on two subjects but find overlap between the two that you can shape to be unique to your potential career choices down the line. Majoring is not a one-size-fits-all model,” she explained.