Communications Media Graduate Credits Alabama A&M for Success on and off the Court

Freddie Lawrence, a standout student-athlete and recent communications media graduate, is heading to one of the nation’s top media institutions. This summer, the Peachtree City, Georgia, native will serve as a public relations intern with The Washington Post in Washington, D.C.

Lawrence discovered the internship through LinkedIn and applied over Thanksgiving break, hoping to launch his communications career in the nation's capital, where he has deep family ties. After a competitive selection process – including four interviews and a skills test – he was officially offered the position in February.

“I was relieved and overjoyed,” said Lawrence. “It was definitely a tough process until the very end.”

At The Washington Post, Lawrence will work within the newly established WP Ventures department, which focuses on innovative, audience-driven digital storytelling. He will contribute to identifying stories, trends, and content ideas that spark national and global conversation.

“The Washington Post is leaning into more digital, consumer-oriented storytelling,” he explained. “I’ll be working closely with the newsroom, helping shape how audiences engage with content across platforms.”

Lawrence says he chose Alabama A&M University for its unique ability to support his academic ambitions and athletic career. He earned both a merit scholarship and a tennis scholarship, serving as captain of the men’s tennis team in his final season while maintaining academic honors.

“I wanted a school where I could pursue both of my passions, and AAMU gave me the best opportunity to do that,” he said.

In addition to excelling in athletics and academics, Lawrence gained hands-on experience in media through his work as a student reporter and social media intern for WJAB-TV and radio.

“I would like to contribute my success to the wonderful professors in the Communications Media Department and the opportunity to cover news stories across campus,” he said.

Lawrence's internship runs June 9 to August 22 in Washington, D.C., and he’s eager to gain
real-world experience in a dynamic, professional media environment.

“My goal is to learn how to use social media in a professional, corporate setting while still maintaining creativity,” he said. “Content creation has always been a major hobby for me, and I think this is the next step toward turning that passion into a full-time career.”

Looking ahead, Lawrence aspires to become a communication strategist with a focus on international collaboration and cross-cultural communication. His travels to Japan sparked a desire to bridge global business and media gaps.

“Despite massive cultural differences, we have more to share with each other than we might realize,” he said. “That experience inspired me to help build connections across borders.”

Lawrence is also excited about returning to a city that has always felt like home.

“Honestly, what I’m most looking forward to is experiencing Washington, D.C., as a working adult,” he said. “My family has had roots in the city since the early ’60s, and I’ve been visiting since I was born. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world, and I can’t wait to give back to a place that has shaped me so much.”