Alumni Spotlight
Christine Bowman Murray

by: Spencer Smith, PR student intern
 
Christine Bowman Murray received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations in 2015 from Mississippi State University. In 2016, Murray earned her Masters of Science in Public Relations from Boston University.

Murray grew up in Jackson, Miss., and she now resides in Gulfport, Miss., where she works remotely as a Senior Demand Marketing Manager at ADP, Inc.
 
Daily responsibilities for Murray include, managing corporate marketing campaigns from ideation to implementation. She works cross functionally with business unit stakeholders, graphic designers, web developers and sales team members to execute company-wide initiatives.

Murray shares that students who want to pursue a graduate degree might want to consider interning while working towards their master’s degree. 

“I enjoyed working as an intern while I was in graduate school because you get to see what you're learning in action! Interning also helped me stand out in job applications after graduate school, and it helped me grow my network of PR professionals.”

Throughout her career, Murray has identified that LinkedIn is a fantastic tool to apply to new jobs.

“Every job that I've had, I've gotten through a LinkedIn job application. I recommend keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date with relevant descriptions for previous roles that include what tasks you accomplished and how you made an impact in that role.” 

Favorite memory as a communication student?
We took a field trip to Atlanta where we met with UPS, Home Depot, and Coca-cola communication teams. I really got to know a lot of classmates on that trip!

Favorite communication class you took and why?
Orgs because I had an AMAZING group and Karyn Brown was one of my favorite instructors!

Most valuable lesson learned from the communication department?
Presentation and public speaking skills! I present something almost every day and love it!

Any funny stories from your time in McComas?
Not really a funny story, more of a fun fact. My best friend from college, Bethany Crooks Nosco, was a PR major with me. Senior year we lived together, were in the same sorority, had the same class schedule, and were in an orgs group together--I'm pretty sure we spent 20 hours a day together that year! We were basically finishing each other's sentences by the end of the semester. We were in each other's weddings, and we are still close friends to this day!
 
Favorite communication professor and why?
Too many to choose from! But I loved Kelli Anthony as my advisor! Such a great listener and she encouraged me to go for it!

What are you passionate about?
Professionally--integrating digital technologies into my campaigns. Personally--spending time outdoors, especially with my kiddos!