Abby Sessoms’ Career Path after CSU

Charleston Southern University graduate Abby Sessoms is applying her communication degree in both her professional role with a residential management company and her growing freelance photography business.

Sessoms, 22, is from Fayetteville, North Carolina. Since graduating just a few months ago, she has stepped into a communications role with Capital Consultants Management Corporation and is also growing a freelance photography business.

Sessoms works with the Nexton Residential Association team as the communications coordinator in Summerville.

Sessoms said, “I manage all of the Association’s communication, including but not limited to creating and sending regular informational newsletters, managing and updating the POA website, and creating content for the POA’s social media platforms.”

In addition, Sessoms also attends board meetings, takes photos and videos of Association Lifestyle Events and helps new homeowners get started in the community.

Outside of her full-time job, Sessoms is also a freelance photographer. “It’s a very small business right now, and I am still figuring out the technicalities of running it.” She said, “Making contracts, clearly defining my services, and advertising are my next steps, so that I can branch out and start accepting clients that are outside of my family and friends.” 

She currently offers portrait services for individuals, families, couples, and pets. She shares her work on her website: https://abbysessomsmedia.mypixieset.com.

Sessoms credits her time at CSU with preparing her for her current roles. “CSU prepared me for my career in a few ways. She said, “The classes I took allowed me to build my knowledge and skills I would be using for work, while being on my own for the first time taught me how to be independent and responsible.” 

She recalled two courses that had a lasting impact: Interpersonal Communication and Discipleship.

“Though communication may seem simple enough, since we are doing it every second of everyday, my interpersonal communication class reminded me just how complex and different human beings are in the way they communicate,” she said.

“Discipleship with Dr. Peter Beck was useful for my spiritual growth and taught me how important being disciples and discipling others is,” she said. 

For Sessoms, college was not just about academics—it was about learning how to appreciate the struggle. 

She referenced 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 and said, “…remember that though we go through struggle, and loss and pain, ‘our momentary affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.’” Her advice to current students is to get an eternal perspective and focus on eternal goals, not just worldly ones. 

Though she has personal goals—like traveling and getting married—Sessoms is currently content where she is. 

“I can definitely see myself exploring the world a little more and moving around a bit before settling down though. I gotta lot of life left to live! No need to have it all figured out yet,” she said. 

 Sessoms didn’t start out as a communication major. She originally pursued an English degree but soon realized it was not the right fit. She was looking for a field where she could express creativity while still engaging in her passion for writing. 

Communication is used in daily life—far beyond what many people recognize.

“Every second of every day. We all already know how to communicate; it is natural and unavoidable,” she said. “But doing it well and tailoring it to specific situations takes practice and awareness. Communication courses really open your mind to why people communicate the way they do and help you adapt your own responses for different situations. I find myself using those lessons constantly, whether I am figuring out my coworkers’ preferred communication styles, resolving conflicts with residents of Nexton, or just having everyday conversations.”

Looking ahead, Sessoms dreams of becoming an award-winning photographer. “But, honestly, if I don’t do anything else with my life, I want to become a Mrs. Marsha; the woman that mentored and discipled me for a large part of college.” Sessoms said, “She was one of the main influences in my life that helped me to realize I needed a relationship with the Lord. I want to remain strong in my faith and have a love so deep for Jesus so that I can do that for young women one day.”