Recent Alumna Spotlight - Gentry Bennett, BSJ '17

Hometown: Centerville, Ohio

Year Graduated: 2017

School: E.W. Scripps School of Journalism

Major: Strategic Communication 

Current job title and location: Product public relations intern, Dolby Laboratories, San Francisco, Calif. 

What do you do? I research journalists and pitch Dolby products to publications like The Verge, The New York Times, Mashable and CNET. I prepare our spokespeople for briefings with press and research industry trends to keep the team informed. 

What made you come to Ohio University? The moment I stepped on campus, I knew I couldn't go anywhere else. The energy and pride of being a Bobcat is contagious!

Were there other places you considered? Any metros? What made this rural location more attractive? I considered five other schools, mostly in cities. I realized that I can live in a city for the rest of my life, but I can't always live in a college town. Athens and Ohio University create a welcoming community for students that you won't receive in a bustling city. 

How did the Scripps College of Communication equip you with the skills you needed to succeed? I had easy access to mentors, the alumni network and professional organizations. I wouldn't be who I am today without PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) and our student-run PR firm, now called 1804 Communications. My on-campus jobs helped me to make connections and gain experience. 

Tell us about your internship experiences while at Ohio University and how they have helped you gain the skills you need to succeed.  I had three internships while I was at school. One was with NR Media Group, a connection I made through taking a content marketing class in the College of Business. One was Southwest Airlines, where I got my first look at corporate social media and PR. The last was with Electronic Arts (EA), where I got to experience Silicon Valley firsthand and where I ultimately made the decision to move after graduation. 

All of these experiences helped me to develop as a person, learn office etiquette and get professional experience in my chosen field. I was also able to share these connections with other Bobcats, creating a pipeline for the Ohio University network. 

What about your experiences here was so memorable? At Ohio University, I not only learned the skills needed to become the best young professional I could be, I also made friendships that will last a lifetime. I learned so much about the world and myself while I was in Athens. 

If you could spend just one more day in classes or focus on one more skill at Scripps, what class would you attend or skill would you learn and why? Graphic Design! It's so useful in the workplace.