I mean, I was already impressed with how great the English department was, since Texas Tech is mainly known for it's engineering opportunities. Who would have thought it was a great school for English majors, too? Now, I want to share a taste of how wonderful the college of media and communications is.
Yesterday was the third annual TTU Career Development Conference in Dallas. Basically, it was a large group of Texas Tech alumni from the Dallas area, giving up a day to talk to current students in the TTU College of Media and Communications. There were multiple panels that gave incredibly useful tips and advice, as well as casual tabletop discussions with groups of students and alumni, and of course, interviews.
It was a great networking opportunity, and a time for students to interview with or learn about companies and agencies that Texas Tech alumni either work at, run, or own.
Unfortunately, I was unable to get any interviews, since I am a Sophomore. Apparently seniors and recent graduates need job interviews a little more desperately. But no worries, I plan on coming back for at least the next two years, if just for the networking opportunities.
I enjoyed the panels, which were, "How to Benefit From Today's CDC," "Job Hunting in the Digital Age," "Business Etiquette 101," and "Innovating Your Career Path." All of the panelists had some great advice and statements, all with laughter. It was easy to see that the alumni were at this event because they wanted to be, and that they truly wanted to see us succeed.
I especially appreciated listening to Tony Wright and John Confer, owners of WrightIMC. Tony Wright gave some great tips in the "Digital Age" panel, and I have already made sure to install the Google apps that he recommended. John Confer sat at my table and talked with us about what we wanted to do, and gave us suggestions in reaching those goals. WrightIMC also has a great intern program, which I may definitely look into, and would suggest that you research them if you are interested in online marketing. Their blog is http://wrightimc.com/blog/
My favorite tabletop discussion was with Rich Flora, owner and creative director of Flora Creative. He talked in the panel about career paths, and well, I enjoyed listening to and talking with him because he is a writer and had gone through some interesting job turns and disappointment and challenges but said, "you can build a portfolio in any job, depending on your motivation." I hope that can be my outlook, as I enter the workforce, either through internships, PR jobs, or whatever else; no matter what I do, I can always continue writing and building my portfolio.
Then there was Michelle Bleiberg, an independent consultant, who sat there with a rotating group of students who did not have interviews in whichever time slot. She gave advice on interviews, took the time to look over my resume and help me figure out what to change, and was just fantastic. I really appreciate her spending her time to invest in us MCOM students. It meant quite a lot.
There were many more people and talks and great things that happened, and it can only be better next year, when I can continue networking and have interviews. Texas Tech alumni are the best!
Spreading the Red Raider Spirit,
The Purple Writer
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