At NC State, we take immense pride in our commitment and genuine passion for supporting our diverse international student population. In this graduate student spotlight we’re featuring Richard Abiona, a talented international graduate student from Nigeria pursuing his Master of Science in Communication within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Through his own passion for storytelling and communication Richard is helping foster an inclusive environment where every person can thrive and succeed.
Tell us about your journey to graduate school and what led you to NC State.
After obtaining my undergraduate degree in mass communication from Nigeria, I initially discovered a deep interest in all aspects of communication, especially in content creation, corporate storytelling, and public relations. My professional journey included roles such as digital marketer, social media manager, and brand strategist, culminating in a pivotal position as a communication and stakeholder engagement lead at a non-profit in Abuja. This role deepened my commitment to development work, particularly in advocating for marginalized groups and addressing issues like poverty eradication, police brutality, and gender-based violence.
In my experience, I observed that development initiatives and communications in Africa often fall short of their goals. This is because the unique cultural values, attitudes, and traditional beliefs prevalent across the continent are not adequately integrated into these programs. For any development effort to truly succeed, it must deeply engage with and incorporate grassroots perspectives and participation. Recognizing the challenges in effective development communication within Africa, I was motivated to enhance my skills by pursuing a Master’s degree in communication at NC State, aiming to address development challenges through strategic communication with a focus on poverty, education, and gender equality.
Tell us about your research.
My research predominantly revolves around organizational and development communication, particularly at the nexus of technology, advocacy, and societal transformation. During my first semester, I wrote a theory-based research paper that scrutinized the obstacles impeding survivors from sharing their narratives with gender-based violence service providers. This work illuminated the complex dynamics of survivor disclosure, guided by Communication Privacy Management, Communication Accommodation, and Uncertainty Management theories. Additionally, driven by my passion for advocacy zeal and intermediate knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL), I have initiated outreach to NC State’s Disability Resources Office, aiming to foster dialogue with the deaf community on campus for potential advocacy avenues.
How has NC State and the Graduate School helped you with your professional development?
As a student in the MS in Communication program at NC State, I have found the curriculum and extracurricular opportunities to be immensely beneficial for my professional development. Specifically, this semester, my Communication and Social Change class has equipped me with a deep understanding of the structure and operations of social change organizations, the nuances of persuasion in the realm of social change, and the intricate connection between identity and social change efforts.
Moreover, my involvement in various student organizations such as the International Students and Scholars Engaged in Reaching Out and Volunteering (ISSERV) and the International Student Advisory Council (ISAC) has provided me with invaluable opportunities to engage in community participation and advocacy. Through ISSERV, I have been able to contribute to meaningful volunteering initiatives, while my role in ISAC has allowed me to identify areas for improvement in the experiences of international students at NC State and advocate for necessary changes.
Furthermore, as a recipient of a graduate student assistantship, I am actively engaged in giving back to the community while simultaneously refining my communication and brand-building abilities. Currently, I am in the final stages of joining Consult Your Community at NC State, a national non-profit organization dedicated to offering pro-bono consulting services to low-income small business owners in college communities throughout America.
Overall, the diverse array of opportunities and activities available at NC State has provided me with a platform to not only enhance my academic learning but also to apply and refine my skills in real-world settings. These experiences are undoubtedly preparing me for success in my future career endeavors and are instrumental in my professional development journey.
What advice do you have for new or current graduate students?
For new or current graduate students, it’s crucial to be intentional with your activities due to the fast-paced nature of academic life. Engage in campus resources and activities that bolster both academic and professional growth. Keeping a broader vision for your graduate journey helps ensure that your choices align with your long-term goals​. Building meaningful relationships is also key.
What’s next for Richard?
My ultimate plan post-graduation is to create and collaborate with organizations that facilitate development through the intersection of effective communication, technology, and social innovation. I aim to leverage the skills and knowledge acquired during my academic journey to drive positive change and make meaningful contributions to society. Whether it’s in the realm of entrepreneurship, nonprofit work, or consultancy, my goal is to utilize innovative approaches to address pressing challenges and create sustainable impact.
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