Hometown: Lafayette, California
Major: Strategic Communication 

During her years at Texas Christian University, Claire Ruskin ’20 served as a public relations manager for Roxo, the student-run advertising agency in the Bob Schieffer College of Communication, was actively involved in her sorority, worked with Circle of Sisterhood, and NEXT (a first–year leadership program). Ruskin graduated magna cum laude with honors. 

Graduating during COVID-19 was hard on many students. Ruskin explains how tough it was to find a full-time job during a pandemic. “Honestly, it’s been very tough. While I have a lot of skills and experience, there are not as many positions open that are suited for entry-level candidates like me,” she said.  

Ruskin’s favorite class was Case Studies. “I loved reading about what other companies had done well and not-so-well and identifying where they went right or wrong,” she said. “It made me look at the world differently, and when a brand or company is communicating, I can use my knowledge from Case Studies to understand if it will work well.”  

Ruskin has always had a passion for public relations and social media. Originally, she planned on majoring in marketing until she found strategic communication. “I quickly realized I needed more freedom and creativity – which I knew strategic communication would allow,” she said. “I followed my gut, and during my first semester in strategic communication, I knew it was where I was supposed to be.”  

Ruskin believes the Schieffer College prepared her for life after college by giving her a number of skills that boosted her resume and would be useful in all kinds of communication careers. These skills provided a great starting point and enough variety to choose what communication pathway to take. She uses all of the resources and networking skills she learned at TCU to pursue different job opportunities. 

In Ruskin’s free time, she is often found writing pieces for her blog, clairealison.com. “During COVID-19, it has allowed me to pour into my passion for blogging and interacting with my followers.” She is eagerly awaiting the time it’s safe to travel again to return to Texas, visit friends and the university she fell in love with.  

Click here for more information on the strategic communication major.