Advertising Senior and President of WVU Advertising Club
Hometown
Princeton, W.Va.
“I feel like it’s a family here in the J-School, especially with my advertising peers and professors.”
Spotlight on Megan Damewood
What do you enjoy most about being a journalism student?
I’ve always been interested in the creative aspect of the advertising field. I enjoy the creative process of writing captions and formulating unique ideas for advertising campaigns. Taking journalism and advertising courses has really allowed me to release my creative energy.
What class have you really enjoyed at the School of Journalism?
I took the magazine publications class, and I absolutely loved it. Each student is assigned a position and specific tasks to work on. I was the photo editor, so I helped acquire and edit the photos and images. I think my photojournalism class, the semester prior, really helped me get that position. The class works like a real magazine staff—you put things together, you work as a team, you look at the stories, the copy editors narrow down what they’re going to put in, and you get to see everything come together. It will be really cool to see everyone’s hard work pay off and know that you played a part in putting together a real magazine.
In what projects or groups are you involved at the School of Journalism?
I’m president of Advertising Club and there are several projects that we take on every semester. We helped with the IMCY advertising competition and the High School Journalism Competition that the School of Journalism hosts every year.
What is your fondest memory at the School of Journalism?
I would have to say the Ad Club’s trip to Washington, D.C., during the spring semester last year. It was a lot of fun. We got to see NBC studios in D.C., and I had time to socialize with a lot of the advertising students that went on the trip. It was really exciting to go beyond “here’s what you’re going to do” and get to see what it really looks like.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned while at the School of Journalism?
When I first got here, I kind of kept to myself. I didn’t experience it for what it was. By my sophomore year, I was beginning to branch out. Now I feel like it’s a family here in the J-School, especially with my advertising peers and professors. It’s definitely been a lesson, as far as putting myself “out there” and getting the most out of my time here.
What has been your most rewarding experience at the School of Journalism?
Joining Ad Club and taking on a leadership role has been really rewarding for me, basically because it’s helped me break out of my shell and take on a role as a leader. It not only helped me personally, but it also allowed me to help others find opportunities in the workforce and advance their knowledge in the field.
What advice do you have for future or current journalism students?
My biggest piece of advice is to just throw yourself into the mix. It made a world of difference once I joined Ad Club. I’ve made so many different connections with students and professors. It opened my eyes to what was out there as far as job opportunities and making the most of my time here at WVU.