Can you introduce yourself (major, year of graduation) and share a bit about your current role in PR and communications?
It is a pleasure to be featured in the alumni newsletter. My name is Hea Su Lee, and I graduated in the summer of 2020 with a bachelor’s in Global Affairs, concentrating in Global Governance, along with a minor in Journalism. After relocating to London in 2021, I’m currently working as Communications Manager at the Korean Embassy in the UK. In this position, I’m in charge of media relations, strategic communications, and public diplomacy projects.
How did your experiences at Mason Korea influence your career path and prepare you for work in public relations?
My interest in public relations was shaped by my leadership experiences at George Mason. Serving as Editor-in-Chief of The Voice, co-founding Asian Boss Next, and working as a Student Fellow at CSPS-Korea allowed me to apply academic theory to real-world communications projects. I believe these roles strengthened my abilities in strategy development, project management, and team communications. Through these experiences, I discovered both my aptitude and passion for the public relations field.
What has been one of the most rewarding or challenging projects you’ve worked on in your PR career, and what did you learn from it?
Leading three annual branding campaigns from 2023 to 2025 - ‘Commemorating 140 Years of Korea-UK Relations (2023), ‘Connect Korea (2024)’, ‘Korean Culture, Now! (2025)’- has been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my career. These initiatives required the careful articulation of Korea’s national identity in alignment with diplomatic priorities and audience engagement. I learned how to manage multiple stakeholders with strategic coordination and precision. Also, the experience strengthened my project management skills and deepened my understanding of reputation-building on an international stage.
What advice would you give to current Mason Korea students who are interested in pursuing careers in PR, communications, or related fields?
I would encourage students to take full advantage of both academic and extracurricular opportunities during their time at university. Communications is a field that values practical experience, so applying classroom knowledge to real-world contexts is essential. Internships, student organizations, research projects, and leadership roles all contribute to building a strong professional foundation. Additionally, seeking guidance from professors, mentors, and alumni can provide valuable direction and perspective. Being proactive and intentional about skill development will significantly shape your career trajectory.
Looking back, is there a specific class, professor, or experience at Mason Korea that had a big impact on your professional growth?
My professional path has been shaped by the intersection of my Global Affairs coursework and hands-on communications experiences. In particular, the GOVT 342 Diplomacy course with Dr. Soyoung Kwon provided a theoretical framework that I later applied in public diplomacy projects and high-level diplomatic engagements like a State Visit. Also, the CSPS trainings further enhanced my understanding of policy communication and strategic messaging. These academic and practical experiences collectively prepared me for my professional growth. Looking back, each opportunity contributed meaningfully to my professional development.