Mekhi Tchassama ’25, an NCAA Division lll student-athlete (football) and Gate of Opportunity Scholar, is graduating with a degree in communication (PR concentration) and a minor in sociology. Having completed an internship with the Rome Floyd Chamber, Mekhi anticipates working with the chamber after completing his MBA at Berry. He credits Berry’s strong academic and work opportunities with shaping him into a well-rounded professional: “I’m a ‘Swiss Army knife’ in PR, media, marketing and social relations because my coursework and work experience have given me a broad skill set for various roles.”
Berry’s communication program allowed Mekhi to apply his knowledge through collaborative projects and immersive classwork.
“Some of the classes in the communication department even feel like you're working in a corporate job due to the in-class discussions and out-of-class responsibility, which has been great for preparing me for the real world,” he explains. “The hands-on approach and the opportunity to work on projects that mimic professional settings make the experience feel more practical and career-focused.”
For example, Mekhi and several Berry students recently had the opportunity to conduct research for AdventHealth in Rome, Georgia, examining community perception of the organization.
Outside the classroom, Mekhi gained practical experience through his on-campus LifeWorks positions.
“My LifeWorks roles taught me a lot about handling real responsibilities,” he says. “As the media coordinator and co-lead peer consultant [for the Academic Success Center], I learned how to lead and connect with others while creating content to engage students. Working as a social media assistant for Berry’s official channels, I got hands-on experience in crafting posts that fit our brand and resonate with students. Both roles showed me how to balance creative work with strategic thinking — skills that are super valuable in PR and social media.”
Mekhi’s efforts culminated in a PR internship at the Rome Floyd Chamber. He stepped confidently into the role with support from mentors Kim Field-Springer, associate professor of communication, and Kinsey Farmer, associate director of academic transitions.
“Their real-world insights and career guidance have given me confidence in applying my skills beyond the classroom, preparing me well for both job and graduate school applications,” he says. “I brought skills like content creation, media relations and event coordination into the internship. Representing the chamber at community events also 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.
“I’m excited to apply both my PR expertise and the business knowledge I’ll gain from the MBA 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, where I can drive strategic communication and build strong brand reputations.”
Story by senior Audrey Bennett
