Graduation Countdown: Tierani Thompson

Winston-Salem, NC — For Tierani Thompson, the path to Winston-Salem State University 

wasn’t conventional, but the experiences and growth she’s gained here are undeniable. As a 

nontraditional transfer student, Thompson didn’t just adapt to campus life—she thrived, taking 

on leadership roles and internships that have shaped her career trajectory. 

“I’m not a traditional student—I transferred in, and I’m a little older. But they still made me feel 

like I belonged here,” Thompson said. 

Thompson’s journey at WSSU is a testament to resilience and growth. Initially, she was focused 

on a career in journalism, specifically as a news reporter. She quickly became involved with 

campus media, covering everything from football to basketball to volleyball. But over time, she 

realized that her interests extended beyond the newsroom.  “I was covering football, basketball, volleyball—you name it. But over time, I realized that news reporting wasn’t what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Thompson reflected. 

With encouragement from faculty members like Mr. Davis and hands-on experiences from her 

internships, she pivoted toward a new direction: project management and corporate 

communications. It wasn’t just a change in career focus—it was a realization of her true 

passions. “Now, I want to become a creative project manager or communications coordinator in a corporate setting,” she said. 

A pivotal moment in her academic journey came in Studio Production, a course where 

Thompson learned to produce an entire show—a skill that cemented her shift toward project 

management. Under the guidance of Mr. Davis, the course gave her real-world exposure to 

content production, as well as the leadership and teamwork necessary to run complex projects. 

“The class brought everything together for me,” Thompson explained. “That’s where I learned 

project management.” 

As she prepares to graduate, Thompson’s professional experience has aligned closely with her 

future goals. Currently a marketing communications coordinator, she is already applying what 

she learned in the classroom to real-time work in the field. “You have to stay on your toes—keep your resume updated, show your work, because people are watching,” Thompson advised, emphasizing the importance of visibility and networking in the professional world. 

For Thompson, mentorship and networking played a vital role in her development. Professors 

encouraged her to refine her portfolio and stay proactive, both online and offline. Her journey 

isn’t just about gaining skills; it’s about learning how to stand out. “This is the perfect major if you’re serious. Professors here don’t let you slack. They want to see you win,” she said. 

As graduation looms, Thompson is excited—and a little nervous. “It’s nerve-wracking. I’m about 

to apply all these skills in the real world. But I’m also excited. It’s no more hotdogs—I’m 

graduating!” 

Though confident in her preparation, she acknowledges that there’s still more to learn. 

especially in design and technical training. But one thing she’s certain of: she’s ready to step out 

of the college “bubble” and into the professional world. Her advice for underclassmen is clear: be involved, stay consistent, and don't blend into the crowd. “I was older and felt like I had done it all already. But I wish I had gone to more events. I wish I had been outside more,” Thompson admitted, reflecting on her time at WSSU. 

After graduation, Thompson has one goal in mind: to work in corporate communications and, 

eventually, to give back. She hopes to help others navigate the system that shaped her journey. 

“I want to work in a corporation, and I want to give back. That’s really important to me,” she said. 

As she steps into the next phase of her life, Thompson’s story is one of determination. 

transformation and the power of making bold decisions in pursuit of a purpose.