Discovering Passions Through PSE

By Jane McKinley

When people hear the name PSE, many think about its ability to help its members develop their professional skills. Often people forget that not only can PSE help people grow within the career field they are passionate about but it also has aided people in discovering completely new passions.

Sophomore Lauren Harris is no exception to this statement. 

When she rushed in Fall 2020 as a freshman, she went through the recruitment process as a marketing major, however she now ends the Spring 2021 semester as the Director of Interchapter Communications and an Emerging Technology in Business and Design major. 

She originally applied into Farmer School of Business for marketing because she had heard all the praise about Farmer and was seeking to run ad campaigns and brainstorm strategies. However, she soon learned that Marketing was more market research and client projects which didn’t hone her creative skills as much as she wanted it to.

“I always knew that my major in marketing was not fulfilling,” Lauren said. “Before PSE and joining the committee, I was aware that I was not happy with my major, but I do not think that I would have changed anything had I not joined PSE.”

The major turning point for Lauren was when she joined the Design Committee.

“Once I worked on the Gamma Gamma Gazette over the summer, I realized that graphic design was a passion of mine and that it was something I wanted to pursue as a career,” Lauren said. “Switching out of Famer is a hard decision, one that I know many students here have faced, but I am so happy that I did. By following my passion I know that I will graduate and get a job in a field that I love.” 

Emerging Technology in Business and Design combines website design/coding, graphic design, and digital marketing/branding. For Lauren, she says it allows for more creativity and she loves that it focuses a lot on current trends and new technologies. 

“This organization has proven to me that it is important to push yourself and to follow the path in which you are passionate, '' Lauren said about her experience with PSE. “By being surrounded by members who constantly uplift me and lead by the best example, I realized that it is of utmost importance to do what you love and to work hard while doing it.”