The typical college course still relies on lectures, exams and projects, with limited opportunities for immersive learning beyond the classroom. At Oakland University, one professor is working to change that.
Dr. Chiaoning Su, an associate professor in communication, journalism and public relations, has been breaking down the barrier between academic life and the professional industry by bringing real-world experiences directly to her students. Each semester, Su organizes visits to professional agencies to introduce students to the realities of the industry and help them imagine their careers after graduation.
“I think it’s eye-opening,” Su said. “When you just talk about PR in the classroom, it’s all very theoretical and conceptual. But once they see that this can actually be put into practice in the office culture, with its lifestyle, clients, laughter, frustration and everything else, it makes it seem so real and imaginable. I think that’s why [an] experience like this is very important.”
On Nov. 13, Su’s Introduction to Public Relations class visited MRM, a modern relationship marketing agency, for their regular lecture from 3 to 5 p.m. Students heard from a panel of marketing professionals with roles ranging from vp strategy director to associate project manager and even OU alumni who work at MRM.
The visit to MRM began with Jeff Cruz, executive vice president and chief creative officer, introducing the agency through a brief presentation. He then moderated a panel discussion and the visit concluded with a tour of the office space.
“For me personally, as well as several other people at MRM, there’s a sense of obligation or desire to pay it forward,” Cruz said. “We understand giving students access to professionals of varying degrees across disciplines. Just being able to ask questions and get the real truth of what life is like in an agency is super helpful as they begin to think about what they would want to do next.”
During the panel discussion, MRM professionals shared insights on their roles, how they maintain authenticity in their work, the impact of AI on the evolving creative industry and much more.
“I think there’s just something to say, particularly when you do a panel-type of discussion across disciplines where you can ask specific answers from each,” Cruz said. “I think we all benefit from a diversity of perspectives. Having the benefit of all those perspectives, but then you also get a sense of how all those different perspectives have to work together to drive a client’s business.”
Although Su’s students are primarily focused on PR rather than marketing, exploring the creative industry through a marketing lens gave them valuable insights into what their future careers might hold.
“I think you can learn a lot in the classroom, but seeing it in action is completely different,” junior Allison Gavagan said. “Obviously, people who work in the industry are there and we get to see people who have been there for three months versus 25 years and seeing how they’re able to take what they’ve learned and their different experiences.”
While classwork gives students the basic building blocks to shape their futures, out-of-class experiences like these let them not just imagine but actually get a feel for what’s ahead.
“I think we should have a university-wide appreciation for immersive learning and especially for a school like OU,” Su said. “We have so many first-gen students and I think this kind of learning experience will really create that connection between education and industry.”
