Mekhi Tchassama ’25 is pursuing an MBA at Berry while working as a sales associate at Ameris Bank. He says, “I’m a ‘Swiss Army knife’ in PR, media, marketing and social relations. My courses and work experience have given me a broad skill set for various roles.”
He’s used to a hectic schedule. Mekhi entered as a Gate of Opportunity Scholar and football player. He loved tackling academic challenges at Berry.
Applying class knowledge to campus jobs
“Some courses in the communication department feel like you’re working in a corporate job due to the in-class discussions and out-of-class responsibilities,” he explains.
Mekhi gained practical experience through on-campus jobs. He was the media coordinator and co-lead consultant for the Academic Success Center. He says, "My LifeWorks roles taught me a lot about handling real responsibilities."
Joining Berry’s digital marketing team put him in a fast-paced environment: “As a social media assistant for Berry’s official channels, I got hands-on experience crafting posts that fit our brand and resonated.”
He adds, “Both roles showed me how to balance creative work with strategic thinking. These skills are super valuable in PR and social media.”
Practicing public relations with versatile skills
Mekhi’s efforts culminated in a PR internship at the Rome Floyd Chamber. He stepped into the role with support from faculty and staff mentors.
“I brought skills like content creation, media relations and event coordination,” he says. “Representing the chamber at community events allowed me to practice networking and public speaking.”
With a firm grasp of his skill set, Mekhi feels prepared to enter the career he has always dreamed of. He looks forward to applying his PR expertise and business knowledge.
“I want to help organizations grow, improve their public image and navigate the evolving media landscape,” he reflects. “My ultimate goal is to take on a leadership role in PR so I can drive strategic communication and build strong brand reputations.”
Story by senior Audrey Bennett
