Bryant Will Graduate in April 2023 With a BA in Communications: Comms Studies
Olivia Bryant, a BYU graduate who majored in communications, will be presenting at Convocation on Apr 28. Originally majoring in psychology, her path changed through prayer.
“After taking a few communications classes, I knew in my heart that this field was exactly where I was meant to be,” said Bryant. Communications gave her an outlet for exploring creativity through storytelling.” Bryant said, “communication allows us to share our human experiences and helps connect people in positive meaningful ways.”
Bryant said the impact her professors had during her time at BYU was momentous to her faith and academic journey. “Professor Scott Church has personally mentored me on writing academically in engaging ways while also teaching me about spiritual principles that increased my faith. He taught me how to compassionately analyze, evaluate and interpret the media and entertainment around me, with the aim of fostering positive relationships within the world.” Bryant said she learned real world skills from many of her professors such as networking and researching that she will treasure forever.
“All of these people have given me so much support and grace. I am grateful for them, I think my Savior guided me towards them for a reason.” Ultimately, Bryant said that her greatest role model is Jesus Christ.
Bryant also draws inspiration from her parents. “They adopted my siblings and I from birth. They raised us with the courage to go after our goals and hope to reach for our dreams. My mom has Pulmonary Fibrosis and I have watched her faith increase as she relies on her Savior, Jesus Christ, to endure her infirmities.” Bryant also receives inspiration from other media, such as podcasts, art and music. She likes to choose motivating and uplifting media to influence her actions.
One challenge that Bryant overcame involved getting an internship. After getting turned down for a few offers, she put her trust in God and continued forward with faith to find the right opportunity. It wasn’t until her winter semester of her senior year she found the perfect fit with a company called Krado.
“This internship was above and beyond my expectations,” said Bryant. “I got to grow with this company while learning multiple business skills. I was able to be behind the scenes of a start-up tech corporation. Every day I was tasked with different projects, which was challenging, yet also fulfilling.”
Bryant collaborated on blog writing, created media content, navigated social media accounts and helped build a sales pipeline for the company. By putting her trust in God, Bryant was able to have a wonderful experience at her internship.
Through a class project, Bryant was able to work for United Way of Utah, which focused on PR and fundraising strategies. By helping United Way of Utah build a plan for reaching fundraising goals, Bryant was able to develop additional skills to use in her potential future career field, working with non-profit organizations to help others.
By looking outside of her usual circle, Bryant was also able to find belonging during her time at BYU. “My theory of belonging goes further than finding people who are similar to you in order to feel included, we also have to spend time getting to know those who are different from us,” said Bryant.
After graduation, Bryant aspires to work in marketing and media for the tech field or for a non-profit organization. She wants to share her storytelling skills and help create uplifting media for others. Giving back to the community is important to her since she had help through a scholarship at BYU and support from staff in her education.