Want to Learn More?
Pier601 is an excellent opportunity to enhance your resume as it entails hands-on marketing, communication and design skills working directly with clients. In order to be a part of Pier601, you must submit a student application along with some supporting documents (please refer to the Student Application page for more information).
If you are not a Communication Studies major, emailed application materials must also copy your academic advisor within the email. After the application process, an instructor override will allow you to enroll. If desired, you have the ability to take this course for multiple semesters. This is a 6-9 hour time commitment each week in which you will practice professional communication with clients from nonprofits and small businesses. This 3-credit practicum course fulfills the Exploration Beyond the Classroom requirement.
Join the Pier601 Creative Team!
click here to apply
For students interested in joining Pier 601 Creative, please send the following materials to Dr. Persuit at persuitj@uncw.edu and Dr. Sudnick at sudnickk@uncw.edu.
Application
Cover letter
Sample materials (portfolio, demo reel, or sample work)
Resume
Current degree audit
Application Deadline: May 1 for Fall Semester admission and December 1 for Spring Semester admission
Alumni Testimonials
The Pier601 Creative experience is unique for every student, offering targeted applied learning opportunities within integrated marketing communication to suit each student’s academic and career aspirations. Read alumni testimonials below to hear some of the perceptions of Pier601 as an applied learning experience!
KRISTEN YUN
“Pier601 allowed me to hone in on my knowledge of integrated marketing communication and put my skills to practice not only as a student, but as a professional. I learned to play an integral role on my team to help our clients reach their goals while becoming familiar with the atmosphere of a real marketing agency. I was able to develop my current skills and gain new ones as well. I never expected to practice graphic design, but by the end of this class, I had designed my first logo. That wouldn’t have been possible without such a supportive and knowledgeable group of people that I had the pleasure of working with. My experience in Pier 601 served as a prime talking point in my job interviews and was a great conversation starter while networking. I cannot recommend Pier601 enough to students who are interested in exploring the agency life, exiting the class with more skills than they began with and becoming friends with likeminded creatives.”
KENDYL BRADLEY
“My experience as a student in Pier 601 was extremely valuable. I learned so much when it comes to interacting in the professional world, as well as how to work with clients. I really enjoyed my time in the course and I would highly recommend Pier 601 to any student looking to gain some real world experience before they graduate. Pier 601 has helped me tremendously in the post-grad world. The course taught me almost all of the skills I am using now in my current job when it comes to video production, graphic design, marketing, and leadership. It also gave me a sense of confidence when entering into the job search because I knew I had great pieces for my online portfolio to share with future potential employers. Dr. Persuit and Dr. Bolduc were great advisors and really took a back seat role to enable students to grow and take charge of their clients and projects!”
ANDREW WILLIAMS
“Pier 601 Creative was a huge blessing and spring step for my career with N2 Publishing. I learned the value of collaboration and consistency within my team as well as being able to handle multiple clients and projects at the same time. Using our diverse skillsets, we learned to lean on the strengths of the team and figure out new ways to interact with our clients. Additionally, using communication strategies and finding new ways to communicate with clients on a more personal level has helped in my current role. I would recommend Pier 601 Creative to anyone looking for a role where you are challenged, determined and have a desire to help your community.”
Jennifer Mabes
“Pier 601 was the COM class that really sparked my understanding of what it's like to work with clients. This is where I learned that sometimes your client doesn't have all the answers you’re looking for, yet, they still expect you to improvise and deliver impressive work. This aspect of the class taught me how to adapt to complex situations and work in an environment where I’m on my toes. Pier601 is a wonderful example of effective applied learning within the Department of Communication Studies. This course allows students to really dive in to the IMC field like no other! Being face-to-face with clients and having the ability to showcase all that you have learned from other COM classes is a really rewarding feeling. Taking this course is the perfect way to close up your communication studies chapter and prove to yourself that you are ready for the "outside world."