Marbelys Ramos, Global Strategic Communications, 2017

A daughter of immigrant parents and two-time FIU alumna, Marbelys Ramos, applies the skills she learned from the College of Communication Architecture + The Arts every day as an integrated media strategy manager. The M.S. in Mass Communications: Global Strategic Communications program, which is 100% online, was challenging but manageable and enjoyable, she says. In what follows, Ramos explains how the master’s program gave her confidence and a brand-new outlook on content strategy.

What was your degree area of study and when did you graduate?

I graduated in 2011 with a bachelor's in communication on the public relations track. Then, in 2016, I enrolled in the School of Communication again and graduated in 2017 with a Master of Science in Mass Communication: Global Strategic Communications.

Did you do the program online or in person?

I completed my bachelor's in person, but my master's degree was online.

Where do you work now, what is your title and what do you do?

I work for Catholic Health Services, a South Florida healthcare leader delivering social services and specialized healthcare services across four medical campuses in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Social services include five early childhood education centers, 17 subsidized senior communities and two cemeteries. I am the integrated media strategy manager for the entire system. I oversee digital and traditional media strategies.

How does your degree help you in your work?

My degree comes in handy every day. I was able to develop the skills necessary to effectively communicate within different markets, such as managing complex internal communications and developing creative strategies for different industries at a local or national level.

What was your favorite class and why?

My favorite class in graduate school was Digital Communication. I feel like I learned new ways to communicate. Before that class, the digital world felt distant and out of reach. I believe that class was great for me to embrace digital communication because it clicked with me that good communication is transferable, and that digital doesn't mean better or different content, just different format. 

Why did you decide to study communications and choose FIU?

I initially enrolled at FIU to pursue a biology degree. After a couple of semesters, I realized I was in the wrong field and switched tracks. I chose FIU because it was close to home. I'm the only child of an immigrant single mother and I always knew I wanted to get a degree close to home. FIU was everything I expected it and needed it to be both times I was there.

What is one thing you learned that you didn’t expect?

I think both times I was surprised by my personal growth alongside my professional growth. The master's program specifically touched on relationship building, self-confidence and leadership skills that translate to any industry. As a young student at FIU, I thought I would graduate as an expert in my field with all the information I was going to learn. The reality is that textbook knowledge does not compare to hands-on learning and experience but it's challenging to get that experience if you're not confident enough to get out there after graduation. 

Would you recommend this program to other students?

I would recommend the master's online program to other students. Although it was challenging, it was manageable and enjoyable, but more importantly, it provides the skills and resources to enhance performance and expand opportunities as communicators.