Brooke Rane
Year Graduated: 
2012

Communications Specialists

OCCU

Job description

As a communications specialist at OCCU (a credit union headquartered in Eugene, Oregon), I curate and provide strategic support on staff, industry, and member communications. I personally edit, draft, design, and distribute a daily internal newsletter; communicating updates, procedures, and other important business items to all staff. My experience in writing papers during my time at HSU and as a graduate teaching fellow at University of Oregon has aided me in writing copy for corporate and employee giving and community involvement-related content for MyOCCU.org and OCCU social channels. And my experience writing policy proposals has been instrumental when formulating communication plans in collaboration with project teams and departments. I have worked at OCCU for 7 years, working my way up from a teller to my current position. During my time as communications specialist, I have acted as a fundraiser for local nonprofits, volunteer coordinator, communications chair for the Willamette Chapter of Credit Unions, and been published in industry publication - Credit Union Times.

Why did you choose this program?

The international studies program appealed to me because it allowed me to explore my many interests in a way that is cohesive. I was able to take cultural anthropology, political science, history, and language courses. It also granted me the opportunity to travel abroad to Halle an der Saale, Germany, my time and courses there granted me the honor of also getting a second bachelor's degree in German.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

Both my degrees have been useful to me in my career and have broadened my mind by giving me a global perspective. The language component strengthened my language skills, not only in German, but in English as well. Writing policy and creating an ethnography sharped my research skills and has greatly impacted the way I communicate to a diverse group of employees.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

I enjoyed the variety but truthfully it was the faculty that made the program for me. Also, my fellow alumni, we were such a tight-knit group and the program brought us together. We truly advocated for one another and many of us are still friends to this day.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

Really take a look at the different focuses, consider doing a dual degree. Is it more work? Of course it is, but international studies pairs so nicely with other degrees, and that will expand your world even more.

Other comments?

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