Why I Transferred Into Annenberg and Why It Was the Best Decision for Me by Ambassador Lena

When I started at USC, I was a Political Science major planning to go to law school. That felt like the right path, especially for someone interested in advocacy, policy, and social change. Poli Sci just made sense. Everyone always told m it's the go-to major for pre-law students, so I didn’t question it… at first. 

But as my freshman year went on, I realized I wanted something different, something more creative, more connected to the real world, and honestly, something with more career options. I wanted to build a skill set that felt applicable, not just theoretical. And I started thinking seriously about how my interests could translate into industries like entertainment or tech, not just law or government. 

Still, making the switch to Annenberg’s Public Relations and Advertising program was scary. I worried I’d be giving up the structure I thought I needed for law school. But here’s what I learned: you don’t have to fit into a box to be successful and you definitely don’t need one “right” major to go to law school, or to do anything else.

PR turned out to be exactly what I needed. I still get to write, analyze, and think critically, but now I’m learning how to build narratives, understand audiences, and create strategies that impact real people and brands. I’ve found opportunities to work in media and marketing, and I’ve made connections that could take me anywhere from a law firm to a studio to a tech company.

Here’s some advice if you’re thinking about transferring into Annenberg (or just switching majors):

Think about where your major can actually take you. What kinds of jobs do alumni have? What skills are you learning? PR taught me how to pitch ideas, write professionally, and navigate fast-moving industries. That matters, no matter where you end up.

Talk to other students and advisors. I reached out to people already in the program before I applied to transfer. Their honesty helped me feel confident that I wasn’t alone and that switching was possible.

You don’t have to give up your goals, just find a different way to reach them. I still plan on going to law school one day, but now I’m building a more well-rounded background that also prepares me for roles in comms, strategy, and branding.

Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel like the right fit, don’t ignore that. It’s okay to change your mind and it’s actually one of the smartest things you can do in college.

 Don’t wait too long. The earlier you make the switch, the more time you’ll have to explore classes, get involved, and take advantage of everything your new major has to offer.

Transferring into Annenberg helped me discover what I really care about and gave me a community of people who feel the same way. If you’re thinking about making a change, I get it. It’s scary. But it might also be exactly what you need.