#ProfilesofTenacity: Jin Lee

Third year public relations major Jin Lee is passionate about learning on the go. Some of her highlights from her time at Grady include co-directing ADPR Connection, studying abroad in Oxford, and attending the PRSSA D.C. Agency Tour.

Why did you choose your major?

I chose to major in public relations because of its versatility. It is the ideal intersection of writing, creativity, collaboration, and technical skills – and every industry demands concise yet compelling communicators. I aspire to tell engaging stories that positively impact my community.

What does tenacity mean to you?

Tenacity means curiosity. It means being inquisitive, taking initiative, and using every opportunity to learn. An individual who is tenacious leads with determination and holds themself accountable for their progress in order to achieve personal and professional success.

What is your most memorable Grady experience?

My most memorable Grady experience is the PRSSA D.C. Agency Tour in January. I was so grateful to be selected as one of eight Grady students to visit the nation’s public affairs center. Highlights were touring agencies including APCO Worldwide, PLUS Communications, Penta, and Weber Shadwick, and attending an alumni dinner at the National Press Club. A visit to the National Portrait Gallery, late-night Chinatown dinners, and walking along the monuments after sunset definitely rounded out the trip. D.C. is truly a magnetic city with the most brilliant minds, and hearing from people with such diverse backgrounds ignited excitement for my post-grad plans. It was such a delight to speak to practitioners in the field and get a taste of life on the Hill.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?

Ask questions! Whether it is during office hours with your favorite professor or in an informational interview with a prospective mentor, people are so forthcoming and love helping students whenever they can, so leverage those personal connections and ask questions to better understand course concepts, gain industry insight, or learn more about whatever most interests you. This also applies to internships: no one expects you to know how to do everything off the bat, so take time to ask questions and properly familiarize yourself with the new workspace. This not only shows a willingness to learn, but also establishes your eager work ethic and character. Similarly, Grady offers an abundance of resources and I would highly recommend getting involved in organizations and building a community with others who share the same passions as you do.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about travelling and learning on the go. From holidays to architecture, every element of lifestyle tells a story, and exploring new places is genuinely the best education one can have. Over the summer, I was so lucky to have the opportunity to study abroad at Oxford University in England. From an education lens, the tutorial method was a masterclass in writing, and I greatly developed my written and verbal communication skills in just six weeks. As for leisurely travel, my friends and I explored different countries across Europe and immersed ourselves in a myriad of cultures and history. I am also an avid foodie and love sampling every region’s local cuisine.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I have lived in three countries and am bilingual! Growing up, I lived in Hong Kong and Malaysia before returning to the US for high school and college. Moving around at such a young age gave me an incredible bandwidth for adaptability and sparked a lifelong love of adventure. I have such fond memories of my multilingual childhood and traveling around Asia. With that said, I can fluently speak both English and Mandarin and am able to understand a handful of other languages as well. I am endlessly thankful to have friends and families scattered across the world and am appreciative of the cultural context and widened worldview as a result of my upbringing.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

Last fall, I had the honor of serving as the co-director of ADPR Connection: Summits of Success, a student-led two-day networking conference, and career fair, alongside Co-Director Sophia Kwan. In this role, we oversaw the recruitment and guidance of our student team, pitched the event to corporate sponsors, managed and trained event volunteers, fostered alumni relations, and brainstormed and executed all elements of programming, among countless other tasks. In addition to the career fair, we also hosted a senior mixer, a keynote address, and moderated virtual panels with industry leaders from Fortune 500 companies. The event was attended by over 300 Grady students and 33 employers from across the nation. This experience was so rewarding because we were able to create an enriching space for professional development where students feel confident — I am so proud of my team and what we were able to accomplish.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

After graduation, I hope to work for a multinational agency in the hospitality or entertainment space before transitioning into arts administration and education. My long-term career goal is to start my own foundation benefiting dance education for underserved communities.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite study spot is the ELS room on the first floor of the Tate Student Center. I enjoy the sunlight let in by the floor-to-ceiling windows and like hearing the hustle and bustle of student life in the background. Although others gravitate to the low-traffic peace of the libraries, I enjoy studying in a space where I am bound to run into familiar faces and thrive off the electric energy that comes with being at the center of campus life.