Justin Brickler
Justin Brickler
B.A. Communication, Broadcasting, 2016
Justin Brickler, a 2016 Mississippi State University graduate, gravitated to the College of Arts & Sciences because of the opportunities he knew an MSU communication degree could provide. “I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and sharing people’s experiences, and majoring in broadcasting gave me the space and structure to turn that passion into something tangible,” said Brickler.
Several classes that had a great impact on Brickler during his time at MSU, and have continued to benefit him, include Mass Media Law, Advanced Communication Theory, Public Speaking, and his broadcasting classes. “Learning how to understand media ethically, communicate clearly, and speak confidently has proven invaluable in a constantly evolving digital world,” said Brickler.
Brickler was also a member of Maroon VIP and the MSU Choral Program during his time on campus, both of which he loved. “Those experiences connected me with students from across campus and different majors, reinforcing the idea that relationships and shared experiences often shape your path just as much as your degree,” said Brickler.
“One of my favorite memories is having the freedom to attend countless sporting events with friends. The 2014 football season, with Dak leading us to the #1 ranking, it was a time of excitement and unforgettable campus energy.”
Hank Flick, Brickler’s professor for Interviewing, shaped his path in a lasting way. “He taught Interviewing during my time at MSU, and the preparation, structure, and real-world perspective he brought to that class still guides me today. His lessons continue to help me pursue new opportunities, and they remind me how powerful a professor’s impact can be long after graduation,” Brickler said.
Upon graduating in 2016, Brickler spent six years working as a local news producer, with stops in Charleston, South Carolina, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he currently lives. In 2022, he transitioned into corporate communications and marketing as a copywriter at Electric Power Board (EPB), the energy and fiber company serving the Chattanooga area. He also has started his own wedding photography business which has taken him across the United States and abroad. His photography business has provided the opportunity to photograph weddings for fellow MSU graduates whom he met on campus.
One of his proudest accomplishments is transitioning from his work in local news to corporate communications. “While the writing style and pace were different, CAS gave me the storytelling foundation, adaptability, and confidence needed to make that transition. Those skills allowed me to grow into a new role while staying true to the core of why I chose communications in the first place,” said Brickler.
Outside of work, Brickler stays connected through young professional and small business gatherings, regular workouts, runs with friends and weekly dinners. He volunteers his skills in photography with a local nonprofit which focuses on youth mental health. His photography work, as well as trips with friends, have taken him many locations worldwide such as Japan, Alaska, Amsterdam, and Belgium.
Brickler remains connected to his community and to MSU through texting, social media, and alumni events. One thing he values the most about graduates from MSU is their sense of continuity. “No matter how much time has passed, conversations always seem to pick up right where they left off,” said Brickler.
“I would encourage today’s students to fully enjoy this chapter of life. Meet as many people as you can, get involved in organizations, embrace campus life, and take networking seriously. The relationships you build now often matter just as much as what you learn in the classroom,” said Brickler.