*What you did in undergrad to prepare for grad school (helpful tips, etc.)
My undergrad degree is not the same as my graduate degrees. My advice to you, in your undergrad years, is to be well read and be really passionate about what you plan to do your graduate work in. If not, the whole graduate school experience becomes a drag REAL quick.
*The type of program you are studying or intend to study
I have a MS and a Ph.D. in Communications. My MS had a Radio/TV emphasis ( I wanted to be Cathy Hughes before she was Cathy Hughes, LOL). My Ph.D. focused on Broadcasting Law. Enjoyed both degree programs and learned quite a bit.
*What you plan on doing w/ this degree(s)
Still want to own a radio station. I will get there one day, just you wait and see
*Your current occupation (if you don't mind)
Director of Communications/ Media for nonprofit. Using all of my degrees just about everyday!
*The institution of attendance (once again, at your own discretion), including a description on the atmosphere, dynamics, etc. of the school and surounding town/city
Undegrad was upstate NY, some diversity in the town and school. Perfect blend. The most ideal place for me as an undergrad. Private university.
My master's program was in a small town, because I wanted to own a station in a small town. Since I had never lived in a small town, I thought attending school in one would help me out. The university was not very diverse and the town was very "seperated." The called me a Yankee for goodness sakes; let it go people...we have progressed. The town basically existed because the University was there. The students made up the place. Oddly enough, I enjoyed my 2 years there and have a real affection for the faculty there. I still keep in touch with them. However, the town was too small and too country for me. Public university.
Anyhoo, my doctoral program was in a town that called itself progressive- umm, I think not. Ideal for studying and focusing on research. Not much in the way of social oppotunities. The city supported the university in everything and the residents claimed the school as their own. Little too much emphasis on athletics for me. Major source of jobs: food service industry (e.g. Mickey D's, Taco Bell, Burger King, Chilis, etc.) If you worked for the university you were rich, if not you were SOL. Was offered a teaching position and would have been living high on the hog had I stayed. But there were NO eligble black men, so I had to bounce. Public, land grant, university.