Ksymena Pawlowicz

Public Relations BA, Minors in Fashion Communication and Illustration '23

“The most surprising thing I learned [at Columbia] is the kindness of students and instructors at our school,” says the recent Public Relations graduate.

What would you say has been the most surprising thing you learned at Columbia? 

The most surprising thing I learned is the kindness of students and instructors at our school, especially during the transition from in-person teaching to Zoom. Networking is essential, and you never know where you will meet individuals who will help you get a job post-graduation.

What individuals or programs at Columbia were helpful to you in reaching your goal of graduating?

So many people transformed my path at Columbia. Anne Marie Mitchell, who is a faculty advisor for the Public Relations Students Society of America and my professor, is a great help to students like me. Another person who helped me out a lot during my four years is Jennifer Halperin, who works in the Career Center. Her kindness and dedication to students and their achievements are indescribable. Big thanks to Kate Jacobsen, who is a Columbia alum, a professor, and has a very successful career in public relations with a lot of fashion clients under her belt. I hope to work for big names in the fashion industry one day too!

What are your plans for after graduation?

Getting into my master’s degree program. My biggest dream is to relocate to sunny California and attend USC’s School of Annenberg. They have a fabulous PR program. During that time, I would love to intern at an agency or in-house at a beauty company, such as Rare Beauty or Colourpop Cosmetics. I will definitely keep travelling a lot as well.

If you were going to sum up your experience at Columbia in one sentence, what would you say?

If I were summing up my experience at Columbia, I would say it elevated me in many dimensions, from personal to professional.