Autumn Murphy (’24) is a recent graduate from the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations and completed a fellowship in New York with The International Radio and Television Society Foundation, Inc. (IRTS). She is currently interning at Streamlined Media and Communications as a research analyst and marketing intern.
Murphy was born and raised in Knox County and graduated from West High School.
She admits that the University of Tennessee was not her first choice after graduating high school. In fact, she preferred to go to college out of state. However, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and she decided staying close to home made the most sense for her.
“I tell everyone to this day that I am so glad that I went to UT. It was the biggest blessing for me both personally, academically, and professionally. I feel like UT really prides itself on providing community and providing culture for young students, and I felt like I could easily find my place,” she said.
Murphy initially started at UT as a psychology major but soon realized she was not set on pursuing a PhD. She discovered her passion for the creative side of advertising and the endless possibilities in the field. After reviewing her classes and consulting with her advisor, she made the decision to switch her major and join the Tombras School.
Despite the pandemic, Murphy quickly got involved in campus life. During her freshman and sophomore years, she was an active member of Sophisticated Queens Unafraid And Driven (S.Q.U.A.D.), which aims to support the success of female students of color through social, professional, and academic guidance. Murphy also participated in the 1794 Scholars Program and was involved in campus ministries such as the Reformed University Fellowship (RUF).
In her senior year, Murphy received the Office of the Provost’s Volunteer Distinction Award, which recognizes the academic achievements and community engagement of seniors with the highest GPAs in their colleges.
“I have such a love for the Tombras School and the professors that have poured into me as well as the classes that have taught me so much. Being recognized by those professors and faculty who see my passion for this college was just such an awesome and exciting opportunity,” she explained.
Murphy first heard about the IRTS fellowship during her junior year of college.
“I needed a summer internship and so I just went on a whim and I applied for it without really knowing much about it. I didn’t get it and I honestly wasn’t that upset because I didn’t know much about it,” she said.
The next year, with graduation fast approaching, Murphy started applying for full-time positions.
“It’s a very stressful time,” she said. “I remember that same person who told me about IRTS was like, ‘Well, you’re applying for IRTS, too, along with these other jobs, right?’ I said ‘No.’, because I need a full-time position.”
Hesitant, Murphy ended up applying to the fellowship and got in.
“My plan B ended up becoming my plan A,” she said.
Out of 1,700 applicants, Murphy was one of forty accepted into the program.
Murphy’s sister lives in New York, but she has never stayed in the state for more than a week.
“This is definitely a big transition,” she said. “I was born and raised in the South. New York is very different from the South. So I definitely got my reservations coming, but I think I just needed to let go of those fears and just fully immerse myself in the New York experience.”
Murphy is currently interning as a research analyst and marketing intern at Streamlined Media and Communications, an integrated marketing firm that focuses on multicultural strategy, creative, and media services.
As part of her internship, Murphy is organizing a roundtable discussion where healthcare professionals and multicultural Gen Z participants will talk about Black healthcare and share their experiences in the field.
Murphy is currently interning as a research analyst and marketing intern at Streamlined Media and Communications, an integrated marketing firm that focuses on multicultural strategy, creative, and media services.
As part of her internship, Murphy is organizing a roundtable discussion where healthcare professionals and multicultural Gen Z participants will talk about Black healthcare and share their experiences in the field.
“That’s been pretty cool for me because, as an advertising marketing intern, I never really thought about this side of advertising in the sense of inclusivity and the diversity parts of it, how this directly feeds into the way that we’re able to market well to people, and this company really strives when doing that,” Murphy explained.
Murphy’s fellowship was sponsored by Lawrence Patrick (’73), who is a ten-year board member of IRTS and an alumnus of UT’s College of Communication and Information. Patrick later earned a PhD in communications and management from Ohio University and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Georgetown University School of Law. He is currently the managing partner at Patrick Media Brokerage and Legend Communications.
Patrick explained, “My path at Tennessee was led by Darrel Holt and Herb Howard. I sponsor a scholarship honoring these two men and have further endowed a professorship in the name of Herb Howard, who was a great friend, teacher, and mentor.”
He went on to say, “To me, UT was a very special place that helped me get my start in research and station management. I owe so much to UT and simply wish to help other students enjoy the benefits that UT confers on its students.”
Murphy expressed her gratitude to Patrick and other sponsors for their donations.
“Hearing how Mr. Patrick talked about the ways that UT and CCI really got him to where he is today just made me proud to be sponsored by someone like that who is so passionate,” she said.
Murphy said, along with the fellowship and internship, it has been great to spend time with her sister over the summer and have unique experiences such as visiting Rockefeller Plaza, Good Morning America studios, Google, the New York Stock Exchange, The Trade Desk, and Warner Brothers.
Murphy said this experience will help propel her into the workforce and has given her valuable skills to take with her.
“Networking is crucial for my career ambitions. Learning about people’s different roles and putting my name out there has been very important,” she said.