Aaliyah Michael
After finishing up a bachelor’s degree in sociology, Georgia State senior Aaliyah Michael plans put her skills to use in the marketing and public relations industry to advocate for equitable access to healthcare. After a couple of successful internships, she’s well on her way.
Interview by Zohra Basmadijan
Tell me about yourself and how you got to Georgia State.
I am a senior at Georgia State, majoring in sociology. I transferred from Miles College when I was a first-year student after my mom passed away, so I could be in proximity to family. As a high school student researching colleges, I initially became interested in Georgia State because I was attracted to its city-style campus.
Why did you choose to major in sociology?
I was previously a marketing major, but I had a change of heart and decided to pursue sociology.
I enjoy learning about the processes behind humans, and I also value interpersonal skills and connecting with people, which can apply to any career.
What kind of internship opportunities have you had since starting at Georgia State?
My first internship was with the Success Training Institute where I collaborated with others to advertise the company’s soft-skills training courses. They work with corporations, businesses and schools to train and educate people on how to improve their soft skills.
I currently hold a public relations internship with a nonprofit called Digital4Good, which works to educate, engage and empower users online and help them obtain knowledge in digital citizenship.
What do you hope to accomplish with your degree from Georgia State?
I want to pursue a career in marketing and public relations. While my major is sociology, it is a very versatile degree. I believe it is important to be knowledgeable about sociological concepts, such as the systematic oppression and inequality people go through and what things certain people need.
In what way do you hope to impact the world?
I hope to be a representative for young minorities in the PR and marketing field and help communities gain fair access to healthcare and mental health services.
What advice do you have for future Georgia State students?
I’d highly advise them to get involved on campus and join clubs. It looks so good on your resume. And attend the various student events that Georgia State hosts. It gives you opportunities to connect with your peers.
Finally, who has motivated you the most throughout college?
My mom. Watching my mom as I grew up, she always worked to support my siblings and I by herself and that inspired me to be the person she was — motivated. I hope to stay as motivated as her throughout my future endeavors. I’ve also been told by a friend that she admires how I can easily connect and talk with people I’ve just met. I get a lot of that from my mom. She would meet a stranger and instantly talk to them like she knew them for years. I try to take little pieces of her personality and continue them on.
