Article by student Sarah Andebrhan

The Black Advertising and Strategic Communication Association (BASCA) at The Ohio State University traveled to Chicago for its annual professional development trip. The November 2024 trip exposed 18 students to the forefront of advertising, public relations and strategic communications.

The students, whose majors ranged from marketing to various disciplines within the School of Communication, were joined by BASCA founder and advisor Dr. Osei Appiah and graduate advisor Chelsea Sarante.The group visited prominent companies LinkedIn, the Chicago Bulls, the Chicago Cubs, and leading public relations and advertising companies Edelman, Golin and Burrell Communications.

The trip highlighted diverse opportunities in the field and offered students the opportunity to enhance their networking skills, step into professional spaces, and learn directly from top professionals, including OSU alums and young leaders in public relations, marketing, and other areas of communication.

BASCA’s first stop in Chicago was at Golin, a top global public relations agency. Key professionals, including Golin’s executive creative director, explained to students how collaboration drives meaningful change. A highlight of the visit was learning about the agency’s Grimace’s Birthday campaign for McDonald’s, which strategically engaged Gen Z fans to drive the campaign’s success.

The visit to the Chicago Cubs enabled students to learn directly from professionals with diverse academic and career paths now working in talent management, fan development, social media, and communications. The talent acquisition manager shared valuable insights into what top teams like the Chicago Cubs seek in undergraduate and early-career professionals, providing a crucial perspective on breaking into the sports industry.

Edelman, a global PR firm, connected students with OSU alums Kate Sonricker and Emily Siebenmorgan. Siebenmorgan shared how her involvement in PRSSA and the PRactice at OSU helped prepare her for success at Edelman. Students also heardrom Damaryan Benton, founder of PR Habitat, an extremely popular professional PR resource on LinkedIn. He shared valuable advice on building portfolios, tackling challenges, and advancing as an early career professional.

Burrell Communications, a leading Black advertising agency, highlighted the critical role diverse perspectives play in communication and marketing. OSU graduate Corey Phifer, a former BASCA president and current Burrell Account Director, emphasized how understanding and celebrating culture leads to successful campaigns. Phifer’s advice on succeeding after graduation showcased how BASCA helps students grow professionally and prepare for their careers.

At LinkedIn, students learned about internal and external corporate communications, marketing solutions, and sales analytics. A senior communication manager shared insights on maintaining brand voice, advancing within a company, and the importance of curiosity and flexibility in the field.

To close out the trip, BASCA visited the Chicago Bulls, where an all-Black panel of professionals shared their diverse paths to success in the sports industry. The panelists spoke candidly about their challenges in the job search process as young professionals and emphasized the importance of networking and persistence in achieving success. BASCA’s graduating seniors and juniors found their testimonials and career progression especially inspirational. 

Communication major Anyla Van Putten found the overall experience incredibly rewarding. She said, “During the trip, I learned firsthand about the inner workings of top PR firms, observed various industry practices, and received practical advice on how to navigate the competitive world of strategic communication. Thanks to the guidance of Professor Appiah, I was equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to make the most of these opportunities and better prepare myself for a future in the field.”

BASCA, founded by Professor Osei Appiah, provides students in the School of Communication opportunities for networking, career development, mentorship and growth in marketing, advertising, public relations and strategic communication. The organization offers a supportive space for discussion and professional development, with access to workshops and events featuring top professionals in the field. 

To get involved with BASCA and stay informed about upcoming events, visit its website and follow its Instagram.

Sarah Andebrhan is a strategic communication and international relations and diplomacy double-major and graduates in May 2025.