College of Communication & Information Sciences

Sarah Stergioulas

October 18, 2021

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (Oct. 18, 2021) — Sarah Stergioulas currently works in External Relations at IBM, the 9^th largest technology company in the world. Within her role, Stergioulas supports the Government Affairs team to advance its policy priorities to a variety of audiences. Stergioulas and her team actively produce thought leadership pieces on behalf of IBM and work to position the company on various legislative standpoints.

After graduating with a degree in public relations, Stergioulas moved to Washington, D.C., to explore careers in governmental affairs. During this transition, Stergioulas received an opportunity to work for a congressman on Capitol Hill and shortly after found a role in the PR agency realm at Edelman. After a short while, she returned to the Hill, gaining a variety of crisis communication skills and industry knowledge. She went on to earn her master’s in PR and public policy at Georgetown, which prepared her for her transition to IBM.

Stergioulas noted that her time spent working on the AdTeam with Teri Henley was one of the most helpful experiences in college. She also mentioned a political communications class that inspired her and gave her the confidence to set up informational interviews and gain networking opportunities in D.C.

When asked on her advice for graduating seniors, Stergioulas noted the importance of ultimately making your own decisions and pursuing your interests. “Try not to worry what other people think,” said Stergioulas. “Try not to compare yourself to other people and what they’re doing, especially when you’re right out of college.” Stergioulas highlighted the fact that everyone excels differently after college, and that it’s important to have a clear focus of what you want without worrying about others.

Moving forward, Stergioulas would like to take charge during this “formative era” of her time spent at IBM, since she recently hit her three-year mark at the company. She’ll soon be expanding on the crisis communications element of her career and hopes for continued growth within her role.

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The College of Communication & Information Sciences, with a total enrollment of more than 3,400 students, was founded at The University of Alabama in 1973. Among three academic departments and one school, the College offers five bachelor’s, five master’s and one multidisciplinary doctoral program designed to hone students’ knowledge and skills within the communication and information sciences.

The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

Founded in 1831 as the state’s flagship university, The University of Alabama has always focused on being the best. This is Where Legends Are Made.

Jacob Crawford an award-winning photographer, filmmaker and writer for the College of Communication & Information Sciences. He is the immediate past president of AAF Tuscaloosa and serves as AAF District 7’s government relations chair.