UA Little Rock Graduate Student Sydney Ambrus Turns Passion for Storytelling into Strategic Communications Career
What began as a return to campus for a job has come full circle for Sydney Ambrus. A familiar face at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the social media coordinator will graduate May 16 with a master’s degree in mass communication. Ambrus is not only telling the university’s story — she’s actively shaping it.
Ambrus earned her undergraduate degree in journalism in 2023 from the University of Central Arkansas and was convinced she had closed the school chapter of her story.
“A few months after graduating with my bachelor’s, I applied for a social media coordinator position at UA Little Rock. Once I got the job and experienced the campus, everything just felt like divine timing—going from one college campus to another,” Ambrus said. “After encouragement from a close family friend and falling in love with the campus, I pushed myself to keep going and pursue a master’s degree.”
That sense of “divine-timing” became a defining chapter in both her academic and professional career.
Through the Master of Arts in Mass Communication program, Ambrus had the opportunity to explore the world of public relations.
“In undergrad, my minor was in public relations, and after graduating, I realized I connected more with the strategic and creative aspects of PR than traditional journalism,” Ambrus said. “I enjoyed the storytelling side, but I was especially drawn to how messaging, branding, and audience engagement all come together.”
The shift in focus allowed her to invest in the skills that aligned with her evolving career aspirations. Through her coursework and hands-on experience, she strengthened her abilities in areas such as social media strategy, campaign planning and audience analysis. She was then able to turn around and directly apply what she was learning to her job, providing additional insights to the Marketing and Communications department.
“I’m proud of Sydney’s hard work in graduate school and her ability to tell UA Little Rock’s story through engaging social media. Her drive and determination reflect the very best of our students,” said Meaghan Milliorn, senior director of web strategy and operations.
Working in a real-world communication environment while completing her degree was invaluable, yet did not come without its challenges.
“Being in a real-world university communications setting gave me a significant advantage because I was able to bridge the gap between theory and practice in a very hands-on way,” Ambrus said. “I chose UA Little Rock because the online format was convenient and the program was affordable and flexible.”
Her dedication did not go unnoticed. She earned the honor of being inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. An accomplishment that is open only to the top 10% of graduate students. She has also been recognized multiple times by her high school alma mater as a successful alum and role model for current students.
Behind those academic accomplishments was consistent mentorship from faculty. Ambrus said Dr. Timothy Edwards, a professor within the school of mass communication and her professional project chair, provided steady guidance, sharing scholarship opportunities and was always available to provide support.
“Sydney is focused, determined, disciplined, and hardworking. I always knew she would exceed expectations and succeed professionally,” Edwards said.
Her experience as a graduate student has served her far beyond just academics.
“Balancing a full-time role with an online program pushed me to take ownership of my learning and adjust to competing priorities,” she said. “More than anything, it taught me to keep going, keep learning, and that knowledge truly is power.”
For students considering a similar path, she offers practical advice rooted in her own experience.
“Graduate school is a marathon, not a race. Take it one step at a time, lean on your support system, and remember that everyone’s journey looks different.” Ambrus said.