What Great Minds Can Do: Erica Naumann  

"One of the main reasons I chose to continue my education at Seton Hall is because of the intimate class sizes. I love being able to form relationships with my professors and classmates. It makes for a more comfortable and relaxed learning environment, and I think that is something to be valued when selecting a master's program."

Erica Naumann '17 had a great experience as an undergraduate communication studies student at Seton Hall, captaining the women's swim team as a senior and earning the 2016-17 scholar athlete of the year award. But when it came to graduate in May 2017 — summa cum laude— Naumann knew she wanted to expand her education before entering the workforce. So, she applied to the M.A. in Public Relations program.

It was a decision she does not regret.

"Seton Hall — during my undergraduate career and currently as a graduate student — provided me with so many opportunities, from leadership roles to mentoring programs to internships," Naumann said. "Being able to participate in all these has made me a more well-rounded student, and that will carry through into my professional career."

Naumann indeed appreciates the chance to learn about the intricacies of public relations in classes she finds thoroughly enjoyable. She especially values her professors, who she said supplement textbook lessons with insight from their own professional backgrounds. And she finds the environment Seton Hall provides to be well-suited for a more personal learning experience.

"One of the main reasons I chose to continue my education at Seton Hall is because of the intimate class sizes," Naumann said. "I love being able to form relationships with my professors and classmates. It makes for a more comfortable and relaxed learning environment, and I think that is something to be valued when selecting a master's program."

Outside of the classroom, Naumann serves as the Public Relations Steward for the Communication and the Arts Graduate Student Association. The Middletown, Connecticut native also loves exploring the parks and restaurants of NYC and Hoboken, New Jersey, which are a short distance away from the University. Of course, Naumann always has plenty of coursework to do. But she finds those assignments are made simpler when using Seton Hall's extensive network of campus resources. She said the library's online databases, for instance, are always extremely helpful when conducting research for projects.

Looking ahead, the aspiring public relations professional is eager to use the "strong background" Seton Hall is providing her for a career in corporate events or crisis communication. In the meantime, Naumann is simply savoring her time as a graduate student. And she encourages all future students to do the same.

"Enjoy everything the campus has to offer," Naumann said. "A master's program can go by in the blink of an eye, so be sure to take advantage of all the opportunities that are around campus when you get the chance. There is always something to do!"

This profile was written by Sean Quinn, a Graduate Assistant for Graduate Studies within the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media and an M.A. in Public Relations student.