JHU Education Paves Path to Success for Communication Student

Published November 19, 2024

Sakura Shiya Chen, 25, from Falls Church, Virginia, credits her time at Johns Hopkins University’s Advanced Academic Programs with providing the hands-on experience necessary for her success as a communications professional.

A May 2024 graduate with a master’s degree in communication, Chen reflects on how the program helped her prepare for the challenges of the professional world.

The COVID-19 pandemic cut short what many consider the quintessential college experience, prompting Chen to seek ways to make the most of her remaining time as a student.

“To reclaim some of that ‘in-person student time,’ I enrolled in the AAP Communication master’s program at Johns Hopkins,” Chen said.

She balanced her studies while securing various on-campus roles, including events assistant and admissions assistant positions, which she believes were instrumental in making her career-ready.

“I was fortunate to sign my offer letter just a day after graduation,” Chen said, reflecting on her successful transition into the workforce. She is now a Digital Marketing Specialist at the Association for Psychological Science.

Chen selected Johns Hopkins for its reputation in health-related communication and its prime location in Washington, D.C.

“There are very few graduate-level communication programs on the East Coast that focus on health science,” Chen said. “Johns Hopkins was the best option available.”

The university’s flexible course load allowed her to explore her field more deeply.

“The structure of the MA in Communication program gave me free time to read research articles and explore topics of personal interest,” she said. “It taught me how to prioritize my learning and manage my time effectively.”

In addition to excelling academically, Chen interned at prominent organizations such as Massachusetts General Hospital and the American Psychiatric Association. She also was involved in extracurricular activities, including the Graduate Student Communication Organization and the Johns Hopkins Japanese American Student Association.

Looking ahead, Chen hopes to parlay her professional experience into a future teaching role.

“With this master’s degree and after gaining a few years of industry experience, I hope to become a part-time lecturer in a communication graduate program,” she said.

Chen’s time at Johns Hopkins, she emphasized, provided her with the academic rigor she needed and valuable practical experience that she believes has set her up for continued success in the communications field.