Essential Facts About Andrea-Rose Oates '26, the Upcoming Student Convocation Speaker
Andrea-Rose Oates: Finding Her "Sadler Family" at Syracuse University
Andrea-Rose Oates, a student at Syracuse University graduating in 2026, had an unforgettable experience as a new student. The mix of excitement, nervousness, optimism, and hope she felt on her first day was soon replaced by a strong sense of community that made her college years the best of her life.
On her first day at Syracuse, Andrea met her best friends. This "Sadler family," as she came to call them, formed during her first year living in Sadler Hall. The close-knit community at Syracuse University, especially compared to Knoxville, where she is originally from, was a breath of fresh air.
At the Newhouse School, Andrea's horizons expanded. She discovered new aspects of multimedia storytelling, particularly video editing and production, which she had no previous experience with. This broadened her skills and career possibilities in communications beyond what she initially expected.
Beyond academics, Andrea's internship at NBCUniversal was a life-changing experience. She learned the importance of delivering accurate coverage and appealing to various audiences, a skill she now applies in her stories for NBC 4 and the national NBC team.
As the New Student Convocation speaker on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2020, Andrea will share her experiences and offer advice to the Class of 2029. She encourages students to enjoy their time at Syracuse, pursue their dreams, and build a strong portfolio early on. She also emphasizes the importance of embracing small moments, such as dining in the dining hall, studying in Bird Library with friends, and walking through the Schine Student Center.
Andrea advises against comparing one's college experience to others and encourages students to be comfortable being alone. She understands that friends in college will change, and it's all about growing and meeting new people. She also appreciates meeting people from different walks of life at Syracuse University.
As a dual major in public relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and policy studies from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and the College of Arts and Sciences, Andrea is well-equipped to navigate the diverse fields that public relations encompasses, from government and non-profits to agency work.
References: [1] The importance of a strong portfolio in communications. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-strong-portfolio-communications-andrea-rose-oates/
[2] Public relations is not limited to agency work. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.prsa.org/learning/career-development/mentoring/mentor-me-monday/mentor-me-monday-public-relations-is-not-limited-to-agency-work
[3] Andrea-Rose Oates to be the New Student Convocation speaker. (2020, Aug. 18). Retrieved from https://news.syr.edu/andrea-rose-oates-to-be-new-student-convocation-speaker/
Andrea-Rose Oates' education-and-self-development at Syracuse University contributed significantly to her personal-growth, enabling her to broaden her skills in multimedia storytelling and discover new career possibilities. Her internship at NBCUniversal was a pivotal learning experience that emphasized the importance of accurate coverage and audience appeal, skills she now applies in her work at NBC 4 and the national NBC team.
