Madison Simms (’23, BA Communication Organizational Studies and Political Science)

This interview is with Madison Simms, a graduate of the departments of Communication and Political Science at UTA.

Tell us about yourself.
I graduated from UTA in May 2023 with a degree in Communication Organizational Studies and Political Science.

Any special memories about being a student at UTA?
I don’t have a specific favorite memory when it comes to UTA, but I have a favorite professor who has made me a better leader, speaker, and person. When I first started at UTA, I didn’t even know that communication was a degree path that I could take. I started as an architecture major, and after my first semester of sophomore year, I quickly realized it was not the degree path for me. On my way to deciding what I wanted to do for my future, I took a few classes that were beneficial for many degree paths. One of these classes was Fundamentals of Public Speaking, in which Professor Carie Kappelush was my professor. Her class was a huge influence on me becoming a communications & political science major as well as reaching out for many opportunities in college.

When I became a communications major, I knew that I needed to be able to stand out from my peers and be competitive when I entered the workforce. With the mentorship and help of Carie, I cultivated my CV and resume to reflect a truly well-rounded student. Interning for Rocky Brands, Disney, Raz Imports, Partnership for Public Service, and becoming an Archer Fellow. I believe each of these opportunities landed me where I am today as a government employee working for the DoD. I am extremely grateful for all of the tools Carie Kappelush and UTA gave me during my undergraduate education. I still see Carie as one of my mentors today, and I love to tell her all of the cool things I am doing in my career.

Why did you choose your major or field of study?
I practically fell into my major field of study due to one class, Fundamentals of Public Speaking. I found my true passion in this class and coupled it with my political science degree. When you truly find your niche and passion, it feels as if everything is aligned, and it truly is a joy to go to classes and learn. I was very fortunate that this was the case with both of my degrees. I honestly could not see myself on another path.

What drew you to your industry, and what has kept you there?
There are endless opportunities in the communications industry. While I have only been in the industry for a year, I believe all of the opportunities will keep me here.

Did you receive a scholarship while at UTA?
I did receive a scholarship while I was at UTA, which allowed me to save money for my master's program, which I plan to pursue in the future.

What can graduating Liberal Arts students do to make themselves more marketable?
At the end of the day, you need to make sure that you have a diversified resume. When you are in college, it can’t just be about going to class and getting good grades. You need to make yourself stand out from your peers. During college, I was very involved in college with Greek life and being a MavElite tour guide, as well as holding leadership positions, but I knew this was only one section of my resume that I needed to fill. I also participated in multiple internships ranging from human relations, marketing, public relations, customer service, and a fellowship in DC. While I will say doing all of these things can be very overwhelming at times, I do believe that it prepared me for the workforce. Every person has a different path, but I believe that I am where I am today by pursuing multiple opportunities.

How has your Liberal Arts education helped get you where you are today?
Having a Liberal Arts education has allowed me to know so many different topics within my job. I currently work as a Public Affairs Specialist at the United States Army War College. Being on a smaller team means I have my hand in multiple projects, including web design, public relations, branding, marketing, and social media. Coming from a broader degree in communications and political science has allowed me to already have a base knowledge of each subject. I have been able to use my base knowledge and research skills learned from my undergrad to work on each of these projects effectively for my job.

What do you wish you knew when you were a Liberal Arts student at UTA?
I would really press on the importance of cultivating a relationship with your professors. Not just a surface-level relationship but a relationship where you truly get to know them and their careers. You never know if you may need a letter of recommendation or advice from one of these professors. Once I got into my liberal arts degree, I tried my best to really cultivate relationships with my professors and peers. Also, know the power of a handwritten thank you note. I know that this can be mentioned in classes, but it truly is an art form that is dying and will help you stand out amongst your peers. I personally have seen this work and can attest to how much it is appreciated by the receiver in jobs and personal life.

If you are a College of Liberal Arts alum, please let us know by emailing liberalarts@uta.edu.