Student Profile:  Colleen Manser

Name: Colleen Manser

Major: Public Relations

Colleen Manser


Creative, Driven and Cheerful

     How can cheerleading in high school help you prepare for a public relations career?  Eastern Illinois University junior Colleen Manser found that cheerleading helped her to be outgoing and strengthened her ability to work in teams, a vital component of a career in public relations. As an outgoing person and a team player Colleen has what it takes to get her dream job on a creative team in advertising. Colleen studies public relations with a minor in advertising and has many dreams and aspirations for the future.

     Originally, EIU was not Colleen’s first choice but if she had to do it all over again she would not change her decision. The junior is now certain to be in the right school with the right major. At Eastern, Colleen especially enjoys the small class sizes and personal attention from her professors, not to mention the low cost of tuition.  “Knowing you are going to a school that will not break the bank and provides you with a solid education is a great feeling to have,” Colleen says.  

     Colleen is looking forward to gaining practical experience in public relations and advertising and will obtain her first internship soon. She has already gained a lot of knowledge and experience from her communication classes. Just as in cheerleading, it takes time to work your way to the top of the public relations pyramid, plus a lot of hard work and practice.  Colleen is ready to work hard and prepare for her future career. 

     Colleen is a driven individual and aspires to work on a creative team in the future, “Once I get an idea in my head it won’t go away until it is completed,” she said. Just as she invested time and attention into cheerleading, she is now focusing on her studies and future career.  Colleen is ready to accomplish her goals and will not stop until she is where she wants to be. 

Written by Elizabeth Slater

Junior in the Department of Communication Studies

Major: Public Relations