By SABRINA ZIZO / Community Columnist

As the semester is ending at the University of Montevallo, students have big plans. While many will be taking a much-needed break from their typical class and work load, some will be getting ready to start their first professional jobs fresh out of college.

Emme Long, a December graduate, is a communication studies major and public relations minor. After graduation, she will be the public relations specialist for the McComm Group, Inc. in Decatur.

“This position will allow me to serve as a liaison between the creative and production teams, while working to further cultivate internal case studies of ongoing promotions,” Long said.

Long started off as a communication intern at McComm Group, Inc. over the summer.

During her time as an intern she worked on online campaigns for the company’s major North Alabama clients and was on the support staff for the Toyota Summer Rev concert. Some of her daily tasks she was responsible for include creating website materials, promoting local businesses, and writing original material for campaigns.

During Long’s time at UM, she has taken advantage of many leadership opportunities while staying involved in what she loves. From interning at her sorority’s international headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, to being a national representative and chapter president of Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society, Long has taken paths that have led her to a successful time as a UM student.

Long believes that she owes a lot of her success to the communication studies program at UM. “Communication studies translates into every field,” she said. “It’s for creators, for innovators, for scientists, for behavioral specialists. Everything we do and the degree to which it is successful is based upon our ability to relate to others and communicate clearly. It empowers students to cultivate a brand and mold it to market their dreams in whatever sector that may be.”