Zohra Basmadjian
As a first-generation college student with a passion for storytelling and social impact, Zohra Basmadjian is carving out a path at Georgia State that blends experiential learning and leadership. From rebuilding the Public Relations Student Society of America chapter to amplifying student voices through Feature Fridays, a weekly Q&A series focused on students and recent alumni, she is driven by a deep commitment to representation, community and creating meaningful change.
Interview by Jordan Ferguson
Can you tell me about yourself?
I am a first-generation student and a junior majoring in journalism with a concentration in public relations and a minor in sociology. I enjoy hiking and walking near the Chattahoochee River, music festivals and reading thriller books.
Why did you choose sociology alongside journalism?
I think learning about history and the way societal systems have developed and led up to today is key to being aware of political issues and understanding people outside your community. It has helped me make more informed voting decisions, and decisions about what to pursue as a career and what values I should hold for myself.
Learning about other cultures is also fascinating to me. I love learning about other countries’ foods, practices, clothing and government systems. I think it is also important that our country represents underrepresented voices and I want to be part of that.
Why did you choose Georgia State?
I am originally from Atlanta, but during my first year of college, I attended the University of Missouri and, over time, I did not find a sense of home there. I was used to the bustle and diversity of a big city, so I found myself out of place there. It was a huge culture shock moving to a rural area of the Midwest. It was also a long drive from home.
I decided to transfer to GSU because there is a home for everyone, no matter your background, interests or ethnicity. It is easy to find a community here, and there are so many other communities you can learn from and be inspired by, both at GSU and in Atlanta itself. I value places that respect community and belonging, and the city of Atlanta is the perfect location for that.
Tell me about your role writing for Public Relations and Marketing Communications.
I discovered the job from the American Marketing Association at GSU's GroupMe. I had worked a similar role interviewing students and writing about them at my old school so I thought it would be an easy transition.
I loved learning about people from different backgrounds and their stories. I find that it’s always interesting and beneficial to hear other people’s perspectives and what they value. I also tried to make the features as diverse as possible, so everyone has a chance to have their story heard.
As a transfer student, it also helped me learn about what resources GSU has to offer, and students’ accomplishments continuously inspired me to do my best because a lot of GSU students and alumni intern at or work for Fortune 500 companies.
I also want to give a special thanks to William Inman and Jordan Ferguson who immediately welcomed me to the office and made everything easy.
Tell me about any internships you’ve held.
I currently intern at Goliath Consulting, a restaurant consulting firm. Some of my duties include writing blogs for the firm and working with a range of restaurants across the South on their social media marketing and public relations.
What are you involved with at GSU?
I am the president of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter at GSU. It was inactive for some period, so I am working to rebuild our chapter. So far, I have built the executive board and have received guidance from professors Carrie Whitney, Douglas Barthlow and Jennifer Jiles on recruiting members and other steps to rebuild the organization. It can be stressful at times but, so far, it has taught me the importance of time management, leadership and taking initiative. I want to create a stronger community for students at GSU interested in PR.
I am also a member of the AMA chapter at GSU. After attending their meetings regularly, I found myself becoming more talkative. I used to be really shy. AMA has also helped me learn valuable marketing insights from professionals in the Atlanta area that I wouldn’t have learned in class.
What is your dream company to work for?
Any big company in the food and beverage industry, such as Poppi, Coca-Cola or Ben & Jerry’s. I love how politically active Ben & Jerry’s is. They use their huge Instagram following to raise awareness of big issues. I also like how globally connected Coca-Cola is and all their strategies, from partnerships to the World of Coca-Cola and how they make sure to highlight everyone's voice. Plus, you get free products. Bonus!
What are your plans after graduation?
I hope to attend Georgia Tech to pursue a master’s degree in sociology and eventually write a research paper on women’s rights and inequality, so I think knowing a little about sociology now will help me in graduate school. I am passionate about making people aware of how issues come to be and how they can educate themselves.
Career-wise, I would like to work in public relations, marketing, communications, consulting and law. I would want to create diverse campaigns in the food and beverage industry. All of those combined include elements that allow me to benefit others in different ways.
In the long term, I would probably move to Canada or somewhere outside the U.S. I am already a citizen there and most of my family lives there. Before I leave the country, I want to make sure I leave a positive impact.
I also want to travel to foreign countries. I want to go throughout North Africa. My mom is from there, and I feel like it would be touching and comforting to be around people who look like me and share similar cultures. Plus I can practice my French!
