The Communicator

BU Campus, BU COM

Confessions of a COM Grad Student

What I wish I knew before starting grad school

Kaylin Moriarty

May 5, 2026

3–4 minutes

Dear COMmunicator Diary,

As a graduate student, I often get asked, “Why grad school?” It’s a fair one, I might add, because the rumor is true: Grad school is not for everyone.

I have always loved academia. I thrive in an uncomfortable desk chair, bouncing ideas around with cool, intelligent people. I earned my bachelor’s degree in English/journalism and communications and discovered I wanted to continue developing my strategic communication skills at the next level by pursuing a master’s degree in public relations.

While I knew grad school would be a chaotic challenge, I didn’t really understand what that meant until I was on the front lines, embracing it. Despite the countless all-nighters and never-ending When2Meet group project reminders, I will say that my experience as a PR graduate student has been one of the most inspiring and rewarding things I have ever done. As a second-semester graduate student, I now feel like I can take on the role of your grad school big sister and share a bit of wisdom I wish I had when walking through the doors of 640 Commonwealth Ave.

Take No Opportunity for Granted

Say yes to every opportunity you encounter. At Boston University, I have met so many incredible people and been introduced to potential opportunities by using that one simple word. It can be daunting to push yourself out of your comfort zone and enter new situations, but taking that first step has been one of the greatest lessons I will leave these hallowed halls with.

**My final presentation of work for BU’s PRLab. (Photo/Madeline Wines)**

Network, Network, Network

I am sure we have all heard the phrase, “Your network is your net worth.” While a bit clichéd, it gets the message across. One of the most worthwhile aspects of graduate school is the network you are introduced to. BU offers so many networking opportunities, whether through events, agency visits, guest speakers, or simply taking a moment to connect with your professors and peers. If I could say one thing loud and clear, it would be: Take advantage of every chance you are given to meet new people.

**BU COM’s agency visit to Weber Shandwick’s Boston office.**

Enjoy Your Time Here

Grad school is stressful, so it is important to take a moment for yourself. Boston is a beautiful city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and plenty to do. Get outside and explore, meet new people, and enjoy your time here. I remember during my graduate orientation session, Dr. Arumina Krishna, associate dean of BU’s College of Communication, reminded us to value the lasting memories and friendships we build along the way. I’ve carried that thought with me throughout my time at BU.

A Boston University men’s hockey game (Photo/Kaylin Moriarty).

Be a Sponge

If I can leave you with anything, it would be this: Be a sponge. Use this time as an opportunity to learn from everyone and everything. Every situation I have experienced at BU, for better or worse, has changed the way I view not only the field of communications but also myself. Being a student is a time to learn, grow, and shape who you are becoming. Don’t be afraid to take risks, make mistakes, and learn. It’s all part of the beautiful process of discovering who you want to be in this space and the impact you want to make.