After Earning “Secret Superpower Dual Degree,” iSchool Grad Takes on Human-Centered Design

Sophie Estep thought she wanted to study biology or neuroscience in college. But “in an interesting turn of events,” as she recalls, she decided to submit an undergraduate application to Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. Soon after, she learned she could dual enroll at Newhouse and Syracuse’s School of Information Studies, finding a newfound love of the two different fields of study.

“I felt I matched some secret, superpower dual degree together. The combined program taught me a host of elements and skills needed cross-industry – design, communication, technology, business, ethics, client delivery, copywriting, presentation, and research skills,” says Estep, who graduated in 2020 with her bachelors’ of science in public relations and information management and technology.

Since 2020, Estep has been using her multi-talented skills at EY, where she began working as a staff consultant in Business Transformation and has since been promoted to senior consultant in Innovation and Experience Design. 

“Beginning my first full-time, post-grad job at a consulting firm afforded several career possibilities I think many Syracuse grads are hungry for: networking with professionals diverse in education and experience, a chance to dip your toe into several industries, and teams and mentors with a collective goal to be problem-solvers of business’ toughest issues,” says Estep. “It’s a can-do environment to try new things and learn from a whole host of greats as they teach you, but give you the space to shine as well.”