Katie Chrapkowski, recent Wichita State University graduate, applies skills and knowledge acquired in the Elliott School of Communication to her real-world position at the Kansas Humane Society.

Chrapkowski was an integrated marketing communication major, fulfilling her interest in journalism, public relations and advertising.

“I knew I had an interest in journalism but chose this specific major because it encompasses so many different aspects of (communications),” she said. “You can do a lot with it after graduation.”

Using the cooperative education program and an IMC class, Comm. 626 “Campaigns,” Chrapkowski moved from college life to the business world.

The Elliott School requires all IMC majors to take a campaigns class, in which students work with nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of their mission.

A visiting professor and instructor for the campaigns class, David Kamerer said it is the capstone of the IMC concentration and a chance for students to integrate and demonstrate what they have learned in other classes.

“It’s definitely a class you aren’t going to get anything out of unless you are motivated and are making an effort,” Chrapkowski said.

The goal of the class is to have students engage in a complete marketing campaign to achieve a goal.

“We want the students working for a real client under real-world conditions,” Kamerer said. “When these students are face-to-face with someone in need, it helps them grow as a person.”

The class is a bridge between being a student and working in a professional setting, he said, but the key is to effect change.

Chrapkowski said the most beneficial aspects of the class were being able to work with real clients and practice skills acquired throughout her entire college coursework.

“The ESC classes are like stepping stones,” she said. “Each one builds on a class prior to it.”

Chrapkowski’s group worked with the Humane Society’s “Sponsor Me” program, in which people who are unable to adopt can donate money to sponsor a pet until it is adopted.

“It helps KHS pets continue to receive the enrichment and care they deserve,” she said. “KHS spends an average of $300 on each pet that comes through our doors.”

The group was asked to generate awareness of the program, which launched in September 2008 at the same time as Chrapkowski’s campaigns class.

“We helped put the program in the public eye,” she said.

She and her classmates used social networking media such as Facebook and MySpace to setup profiles and put information on the Web. They also held an event at a WSU women’s basketball game. Through the use of the Web sites, posters and brochures, they raised $2,866 in three months.

This class, the projects and the overall education students receive at the Elliott School will help them be in the community and find meaningful opportunities in society, Kamerer said.

“The goal of a liberal arts education is to help the student find his or her place in the world,” he said.

While some people may see communication as a soft field, he said he believes strongly in “can do, have done.”