Marlene Vences Rendon earned associate degrees in anthropology and media arts from the College of Western Idaho (CWI) before combining them to fulfill her true passion for storytelling.
Now in her third year as a copywriter at Full Swing Public Relations, Vences Rendon is enrolled in Boise State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Strategic Communications.
“While I’ve had an amazing opportunity to gain hands-on experience at Full Swing, I’ve always seeked the value of a formal education in preparing me to become an even stronger communicator,” she said. “That’s why I wanted to learn at Boise State. That’s why I went back to school.”
Although Vences Rendon didn’t take a direct route, there were early indications in her career that she would find her way to becoming a writer.
“Everyone is a storyteller, but I love listening,” she said. “Anthropology is the study of people — listening to people, learning about people. Now as a writer, I get to help write and tell people’s stories.”
The online format is working out especially well for Vences Rendon as she continues to gain real-world experience while earning a degree.
“The online option was great for me as a working professional,” she said. “I can work my nine-to-five job, and then pop on my laptop to work on homework afterwards from really anywhere. It alleviates some of the stress of being a working student.
“I can do my schoolwork on the weekends. I don’t have to be on campus to learn. When I was at CWI, COVID-19 was happening so we transitioned to a hybrid model. I got a little taste of an online hybrid program, but this is my first time fully online. I work my schedules to my needs. I am into it.”
Close to home
Vences Rendon was born and raised in Nampa, Idaho, with two older sisters and hard-working immigrant parents. She began her career as an AmeriCorps VISTA public relations coordinator with LEAP Housing before moving on to Full Swing.
After completing her second associate degree in 2022, Vences Rendon was out of school until enrolling in the bachelor’s degree program two years later.
“Boise State was my top choice,” she said. “I am looking forward to getting those foundational writing skills from the program. My next seven-week course is Writing for Professionals, where I’ll learn the skills to help my writing pack an even bigger and more meaningful punch.”
So far, the information Vences Rendon is learning in the online Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Strategic Communications curriculum is applicable to her career.
“In the courses Introduction to Public Relations and PR Campaign Strategies, I get to learn how senior-level marketers make decisions,” she said. “It’s heavily influenced how I present ideas at work, making sure I’m armed with a powerful ‘Why?’ before making my pitch.”
Vences Rendon is also impressed with the supportive learning environment in the program — especially from her student success advisor, Megan Fahey.
“I meet with her once a semester,” she said. “She walks me through my course plan. We talk a lot about individual courses, and how I can personalize my degree.
“It’s important to learn fundamental writing skills, so she helps me find electives that play into that and which courses I can shift around to take them. That’s been super helpful to individualize my degree to meet my needs.”
The write stuff
Vences Rendon, who enjoys shopping for vintage clothing at thrift shops and spending time with her family in her free time, looks forward to enhancing her knowledge leading up to a 2026 graduation date.
“It’s very exciting to work towards my bachelor’s degree, now that I’m set on my future career goals,” she said.
As she continues to work toward her bachelor’s degree, Vences Rendon hopes to become a product copywriter who writes product descriptions.
“I am applying what I am learning as an integrated strategic communications major because it has a heavy focus on writing skills,” she said. “That’s what I am trying to learn more.
“If you’re looking to get more hands-on experience building public relations campaigns or communications campaigns, this is a great program for you.”
Vences Rendon believes a degree in integrated strategic communications from Boise State will help create career opportunities for her down the road.
“I have received solid value out of the bachelor’s degree program,” she said. “When I moved to the media arts degree, it was, ‘How do I tell people’s stories?’ With this degree, it’s, ‘How do I write people’s stories?’ I’m fascinated by it.”
Learn more about integrated strategic communications at Boise State
Want to learn more about the online Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Strategic Communications? Contact a student success coach to learn more.
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