Student Spotlight: Nicole Bohlmann
Nicole Bohlmann is a Florida State University senior on the pre-law track pursuing a bachelor’s degree with double majors in literature, media, and culture through the Department of English, part of the College of Arts and Sciences, and interdisciplinary social sciences through the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. In 2026, she participated in the Corporate Summer Internship Program through Celebrity Cruises Entertainment and Royal Caribbean Cruises Production Studios. She previously analyzed trends in artificial intelligence as a legal research assistant for the law firm Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani and analyzed trends in K-12 schools in Florida with Legal Services of Greater Miami. In April 2025, she received the Department of English’s 2024-2025 Robert Adler Endowed Memorial Fellowship in English for an article she wrote about what it means to be an English major.
Tell us about your background and what brought you to FSU.
I grew up in Miami where I was involved in a lot of volunteering and service opportunities. FSU’s motto “Vires, Artes, Mores” — meaning strength, skill and character — resonated with me during the college application process. I have a picture of myself from when I was in middle school walking by the FSU Williams Building, which houses the English department, so it feels like fate that I ended up here.
What inspired you to pursue a degree in English?
I wanted to study one of my interests that was adaptable, challenged me intellectually, and could be applied in several career paths. Choosing my major was a big investment in myself and my independence. I come from a family of accountants, but with their support, I tried something new and have hopefully started a new family tradition. I added a second major in public policy after studying abroad in London in Summer 2025 through FSU International Programs. These two majors complement each other and give me a competitive edge in the job market because I’m familiar with analyzing and understanding complex systems, and the combination is helping me develop strong critical-thinking skills.
Tell us about earning the Robert Adler Endowed Memorial Fellowship in English.
It was an honor to receive this fellowship. Earning it for writing an essay on the value of being an English major showed me that I chose the right major. I know I’ll find success because of my major, not in spite of it. In my essay, I incorporated analyses of Shakespeare, the short story, poetry, and a treatise by Friedrich Nietzsche, a 19th-century German philosopher and writer. The fellowship helped me study abroad in London in Summer 2025.
What’s something people don’t know about studying English?
Choosing to study English makes a statement in the modern world. Studying literature requires a lot of analysis. You cannot bluff your way through being an English major. I have tons of respect for my fellow English majors who are incredibly talented as authors, editors and creators. In a world where AI is emerging and other majors might seem more immediately lucrative after graduation, we know we’ll find our paths.
How do your majors in English and public policy overlap to prepare you for success in law school?
Studying law is all about how you say things. Both majors provide several opportunities to develop strong writing skills. This semester, I’m interning with the Cruise Lines International Association as part of the FSU Washington DC Study Away Program, to understand the role of a trade association and how they advocate for their cruise line members. I have researched legal issues, prepared mid-term election "what if" scenarios, and attended meetings on the Hill, which has shown me the importance ofpersuasive written and spoken word It's been amazing to experience government relations and public affairs in person.
What are some exciting projects you’ve worked on?
During Summer 2026, I worked with the Royal Caribbean Group as an intern on the entertainment team, selecting entertainment based on cruise itineraries, expected guest demographics and guest feedback. Prior to my internship, I worked on the event staff for an art exhibition about Dolce & Gabbana at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Miami and got to experience museum operations firsthand.
I’m currently working with a grassroots arts organization on a recycling project in Miami, and I’m part of the Fall 2026 cohort for the FSU DC Study Away Program.
What on-campus resources have helped you achieve success?
FSU’s Career Center has been very helpful in helping me find internships and experiences and preparing me for post-graduate life. The International Programs team also contributed to my success by aiding me during my time in London, which helped to expand my worldview.
Are there any faculty or staff who have helped or inspired you?
There are two faculty members I’d like to highlight: Sally Karioth, a professor in the College of Nursing, and Abigail Sprenkle, an assistant professor in the Department of English. I studied the impacts of grief, trauma, and loss with professor Karioth in a small class in London, and I found that many of the central themes we studied were discussed in museums across the city. On FSU’s Tallahassee campus, I studied medieval literature with assistant professor Sprenkle. Both topics inspired me to expand my academic experiences.
Following your graduation, what are your plans? Even though you might miss FSU, what are you looking forward to once you graduate?
I’m game for whatever’s next. I’m interested in public service, so I’m looking at graduate school opportunities to help me pursue this. My long-term goal is to work in London because my time there was very impactful. It showed me how much I love being in a global city with lots of museums that serves as a jumping point to explore other parts of the world.
What advice do you have for fellow students?
Being uncomfortable when learning a new skill isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Persistence pays off, but you also have to learn when to take a loss and move on. Just trust your gut, and you’ll end up where you’re meant to be.