Brittany Burdine currently works as the marketing manager for Murphy Family Ventures and River Landing Companies, a North Carolina management company with divisions in golf, recreation, hospitality services, land development and more. She creates, designs and analyzes strategic marketing plans for 12 areas of the company, each with different demands and demographics.
Burdine succeeds in her career because of her leadership and practical experience. While a student at Appalachian, she served as the president of Club Council, director of public relations and campus outreach for the Student Government Association, and was a Leadership Educator with the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership. She also worked as a public relations assistant at Back Creek Christian Academy in her hometown of Charlotte. The university awarded her its Appalachian Distinguished Leadership Award for exemplary service.
After graduating in 2011, Burdine worked as an intern and later a media tour public relations assistant for Charlotte Motor Speedway. She also gained experience as a marketing coordinator for various companies on the North Carolina coast.
Her experiences at Appalachian prepared her for all aspects of her career, Burdine said.
“Inside the classroom I learned about the thought process behind the strategy. My extracurricular involvement helped me put these practices into a practical setting.”
Burdine said the Department of Communication faculty supported her as she built a strong foundational skill set through their openness to questions, willingness to give advice, and continued exploration and discussion of topics covered in class.
“The faculty really helps you build a skill set that sets you apart from other public relations candidates,” Burdine said. “They want to make sure you understand the practical material that is being taught and ultimately help guide you into the start of your career.”
Burdine looks back on her time at Appalachian fondly.
“The lessons and practical experiences I received have shaped me into the person I am today,” Burdine said. “I owe it to Appalachian for helping me grow the most I could in the short time I got to spend on the mountaintop.”