This week, we’re bringing you interviews and advice for pursuing a career in journalism and communications. Whether you want to be the next Christiana Amanpour or write marketing copy for a small business, we’ve got something for you. Be sure to visit our blog each day for the latest #MorningMinute – bite sized leads designed to get your job search underway.

Photo courtesy of Jon S. Adapted by Hunter Mills.

Getting started: Journalism

It all starts in the classroom. UD offers a range of courses as a part of the journalism concentration.  If you’re interested in this career path, start the dialog with your academic advisor early to ensure that you have time for all of the classes that you need. Many of these courses offer hands-on experience at The University News, UD’s weekly newspaper. Time on the school newspaper is an essential part of a future journalist’s resume, so don’t put this key step off. This isn’t something you want to leave for senior year.

Need a better idea of what a journalist does? Check out this overview from About.com. Whether you are a high school student weighing your college options or an undergraduate starting your job search, it’s never to early to begin researching careers. Introductory articles like the one above can help you get your footing in the field and give you the information you need to ask even better questions in the future.

Already enrolled and pursuing the journalism concentration? This article has advice for choosing classes that really count. Between the core curriculum, your major, and the journalism concentration, your electives are valuable academic real estate. The earlier you have a plan for your academic career, the better your chances are of using those slots wisely. The classes you choose will depend on your journalistic interests. Topics to consider include foreign languages, business, and international studies.

Getting started: Communications

There is a lot of overlap between journalism and communications. Broadly speaking, communications refers to the larger category which encompasses careers in journalism, PR, and marketing, to name a few. There is a lot of flexibility in what someone in communications can do. For a big picture look at the field, click here.

Although UD does not offer a communications major, your liberal arts education is excellent preparation for this career path. Consider majoring in a discipline that will hone your writing and give you ample opportunity to work on oral presentations. It’s also a good idea to consider taking courses in the journalism program in order to build your portfolio and gain professional experience. Looking for some hard facts? This infographic breaks down top communications jobs, median salaries, and the best locations for the field. 

You don’t have to know what you want to do in order to make an appointment with an OPCD advisor – in fact, that’s a great reason to visit with one! Whether you need help choosing a career or you need to know what classes to take to land your dream job, we can help.  Follow us on Facebook and Twitter this week for more insight into careers in communications and journalism. You can tweet us questions using #CommunicationsWeek.

By Hunter Mills

Ester Ippolito graduated from the University of Dallas in 2007 with a B.A. in Art History. She is currently employed as the Manager of Visitor Services at the Nasher Sculpture Center. Ester took some time to share her advice for students in the arts launching their careers.

Photo courtesy of Ester Ippolito

Your academic and professional accomplishments are impressive, to say the least. Did you begin your college career knowing that you wanted to work in a museum?

Before UD, I had always been involved in arts in high school; I was accepted and attended both the Richardson High School Arts Magnet and the Savannah College of Art and Design Rising Stars program. However, my senior year in high school I got very interested in law and politics. So, I began at UD as a Politics major. My interest in the arts was always present and I switched to Art History after Rome. I wouldn’t say that I was always museum-bound, but there was definitely an attraction to that world. 

Talk to me about getting your MA in the United Kingdom. What inspired you to study abroad? How has that experience influenced you?

Once I decided on getting my MA, I applied to programs throughout the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, because I knew that I wanted to move away from Texas. I accepted the offer from the University of Kent at Canterbury for many reasons. I was born in and have a dual citizenship with Italy, so I always knew that I would want to live in Europe.

My experience was incredible! As I stated, I was a research-based student, which allowed me the freedom to create my own schedule to complete my Master of Philosophy in the History and Philosophy of Art (MPhil). Due to this, I had the liberty to audit diverse courses while at Kent, ranging from German to the History of Performance and Theatre Arts.

No matter where you were living, you have kept yourself busy with internships and volunteering - even in the United Kingdom and Italy. How did you find positions that were a good fit for you? 

I have always relied on guidance from professors, both at the University of Dallas and the University of Kent at Canterbury. In my second year in Canterbury, I began sitting in on a Performance and Theatre Arts course and befriended the professor. She was able to connect me to my internship in Italy, with the Oskar Schlemmer Theatre Estate, which led me to move to Verbania, Italy.

What was your favorite class as an undergraduate outside of the Art department? 

Without a doubt it was Italian Literary Tradition I; it was so wonderful to read Italian literature by Dante, Boccaccio, and others in the original language.

Did the Core shape the way you approach art?

Absolutely, and this became really apparent during my MA program. While researching, I approached every artwork with a myriad of questions stemming from various fields: history, philosophy, etc. Furthermore, the writing and editing skills I developed due to the Core have given me an extra advantage in the workplace.

As the Manager of Visitor Services at the Nasher Sculpture Center, what do you look for in prospective employees? What do undergraduates interested in a museum career need to have on their resume?

Due to the fact that my staff directly assists our visitors, employees should be polite, presentable, responsible and committed individuals who are able to provide the highest level of customer service. Ideally, they should have previous experience in a customer related environment and an interest in the arts. 

For those wanting to work in the nonprofit sector, how important is it to volunteer in your area of interest? If there aren’t openings in your direct field, is it still beneficial to volunteer in another area?

It is incredibly important to volunteer or intern if you are seeking a career in any field, but especially so in the nonprofit sector. I highly recommend students volunteer in any position available not only to build relationships but also to learn essential transferable skills and build a resume.

Do you have any tips for young art majors just beginning their career?

I would suggest that young art majors be patient, you may not land the dream job right away. Learn as much as you can in every job, and transfer those skills to other opportunities. I recommend that students scour the web for local and national associations that meet your professional and social interests. For instance, an art major may look into the College Art Association. 

It can be difficult for creative individuals to strike a balance between their artistic interests and their professional goals. How have you managed that?

The realization that I did not have to weave all of my interests and professional goals into one “perfect” career was a lesson that took some time for me to learn. However, once learned it has offered so much freedom. My role at the Nasher meets my professional goals and some of my art history interests. However, my creative ambitions are fulfilled at home. If you enjoy writing or painting and don’t get the opportunity to use this skill in your career, do it on your own time. It will most likely be more enjoyable and will offer a great release from career stresses.

What choices that you made as an undergraduate have been most beneficial for your career?

Being involved and a bit of an overachiever has definitely helped the most. I suggest that any student, regardless of their major, get involved in extracurricular activities. Experience is the most useful skill to have in the workplace.

Are you an Art or Art History major? How are you getting involved in the local arts community? Leave us a comment! Then RSVP for Advance to get connected with top employers tomorrow! If writing and editing are more your style, you won’t want to miss our next Professional Viewpoints event. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today.

Start your day off right with our Morning Minute - a quick intro to one of the exciting job leads we can connect you to this week. 

Today’s pick is:
National Journalism Center - Paid Journalism Internship Washington D.C. 

Since 1977, the National Journalism Center, a project of Young America’s Foundation, has provided aspiring conservative and libertarian journalists with the premier opportunity to learn the principles and practice of responsible reporting. The National Journalism Center combines 12 weeks of on-the-job training at a Washington, D.C.-based media outlet and once-weekly training seminars led by prominent journalists, policy experts, and NJC faculty.

Want to learn more? Stop by Augustine 132 or call 972.721.5131

By Hunter Mills

Last Wednesday, UDOPCD invited members of the UD community interested in careers in the creative arts to attend a Professional Viewpoints panel. The panelists made for an impressive cast:

• John Buxton (Owner, Shango Galleries, ArtTrak.com, and Buxton Appraisal Authentication and Consulting Services)
• Catherine Cody (Special Events and Volunteer Relations Manager, Dallas Museum of Art)
• Tom Huckabee (Independent Filmmaker and Screenwriting Teacher)
• Kim Kolker (Gallery Director and Office Manager, Shango Galleries; International Society of Appraisers Accredited Fine Art Appraiser)
• Kelly Maher (Senior Video Producer, Cambium Learning Group)
• Sarah Jane Semrad (Marketing and Membership Manager, KXT 91.7) - see our interview with Sarah Jane here

The mood in the Art History auditorium was invigorating as panelists urged the young artists in attendance to stay true to their passion. Throughout the Professional Viewpoints events last week, panelists encouraged students to focus on gaining experience, whether that be an internship, volunteer work, or an entry-level job. While the creative arts panelists certainly agreed that these types of experience are important, there was a greater emphasis on cultivating self-awareness: “Invest in yourself and figure out who you are … you’re not going to show up to an interview and be fabulous if you don’t know who you are,” said Sarah Jane Semrad. The panelists were more likely to suggest taking risks and trying new things with your time in college, rather than a concrete formula of internships and volunteer work. Instead of interning, Semrad told the audience that she used her summers to do “really magical, important things.”

Photo Courtesy of chrissy.farnan

Many of the panelists have had wild careers filled with interesting turns. Kim Kolker began as a teacher, but quickly learned that the profession was not for her. Sarah Jane Semrad’s first job post-college was in a cheese puff laboratory – a job that, according to her, lasted “exactly three weeks.” Kelly Maher’s creative career took a sharp turn into corporate life. She gave students some valuable perspective on career shifts like hers: “Sometimes you take these detours … but you land in a situation where you’re going to be presented with certain experiences [to help your career in art].”  Tom Huckabee recounted the trajectory of his career as a filmmaker in a story that is itself worthy of being turned into a film.

“We didn’t apply for this job. We just invented it.” – Sarah Jane Semrad

For students considering relocating after graduation, John Buxton advised that they connect with museums, galleries, and auction houses as soon as they arrive in their new city. Making face-to-face contact with creative professionals is key. “Immerse yourself and expose yourself to those people and those environments,” urged Kelly Maher. Cathy Cody proposed that a good strategy for making those connections is to use social media in a non-invasive way. For example, young professionals can use LinkedIn to identify commonalities between themselves and people of interest. That opens the door for you to send a brief email that could land you a meeting over coffee. Cody stressed that this type of networking is not about sending out your resume – it’s about building relationships and learning from successful people. Attendees were given a chance to do just that, as the event concluded with the chance to speak one on one with panelists in an informal setting.

Did you attend Professional Viewpoints? What was the most important thing you learned?  Tell us in the comments below!

By Hunter Mills

We’ve gotten the chance to interview a number of interesting professionals. Here, we share 5 of our best:

1. Ask an Alum: Tommy Riordon talks about the Drama major, working in PR, and the value of the Core

By Hunter Mills

Tommy Riordon, UD class of 2012, is the PR Coordinator for the National Catholic Bioethics Center. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Tara, and their two children.

Hello, Tommy! Thank you for taking the time to talk with me. Let’s dive right in. First, tell me about the National Catholic Bioethics Center.

Thanks for the opportunity, Hunter! 

Well, the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC from here on out) was founded in 1972 as an independent “think tank” by the Catholic Hospital Association to reflect on ethical issues arising in medicine and the life sciences.  There is, perhaps, no place where the direct impact of ethical decision-making is more apparent than in the medical field.  The NCBC is committed to doing all of its work in accordance with the latest scientific research and with the magisterial teachings of the Catholic Church.  It works closely with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Holy See.

The NCBC has come to be known as an effective resource and positive force in the Church and society for promoting and safeguarding the dignity of each human being from conception until natural death by helping those involved in health care, religious and secular teaching, public policy, and all areas of society to understand how the moral teachings of the Church apply to developments in health care and the life sciences.  

read more here.

2. Senior Spotlight: Kelsey Clary

By Evan Sadasivan

This past summer, Kelsey Clary interned at the Retina Foundation of the Southwest in the Crystal Charity Ball Pediatric Vision Evaluation Center. She is currently a senior at the University of Dallas, a resident assistant, a part-time employee of the University Call Center, and a microbiology lab assistant for the biology department. Below are some of the questions I asked her regarding her experience at the Retina Foundation.

Can you give us a brief overview of your position at the Retina Foundation? 

In the pediatric laboratory, I was responsible for conducting vision testing of [various] kinds on our young patients.  I also collected biometric and visual accommodation data.  I was working on an eye growth study investigating the visual development of children with infantile esotropia (crossing of the eyes) and was responsible for organizing and adding to the database for that study.

read more here.

3. I’m Here to Help: Trey Bahm talks politics, volunteerism, and turning diverse interests into a career

By Hunter Mills

Trey Bahm is a media consultant, political director, and writer. He has worked on Capitol Hill as a legislative aide in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. You can follow Trey on his blog and on Twitter @treybahm. 

I first heard you speak at one of our Professional Viewpoints panels. You made it very clear that you think volunteerism is essential for college students and young professionals. What prompted your strong commitment to volunteerism? 

Volunteerism does two things.  One, it keeps you active.  Probably the worst thing someone needing a job can do is sit at home—it’s even worse than being unsure or confused about where to look, because becoming sedentary can discourage you and affect you psychologically, even physically.  Second,volunteerism helps you network and puts you in a better place to be seen.  It’s like this:  most volunteering is for non-profits or charities; such groups are generally led and supported by wealthier members of a community and businesspeople, often small businesspeople; these business leaders will get to know you, and any relationship that’s formed could open up a paying opportunity.  More than these reasons, volunteering helps you feel good, not to mention helps someone else!

read more here. 

4. Putting Down Roots: Janice Townsend talks about coffee, college, and career

By Hunter Mills

Janice Townsend is the owner and founder of Roots Coffeehouse, a successful coffee shop with two locations in the DFW metroplex. She took the time to speak with us about the challenges facing young women in the professional world, what it’s like to change majors, and the realities of running a business.

Janice, thanks for talking with us today! First off, how about a little bit of background for our readers – where did you go to school and what was your major? 

Sure thing! I went to Belmont University in Nashville, TN. That is where I fell in love with independent coffeehouses. I started out as a Music Production major, and changed to Business with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship. I had excellent professors that taught me a lot about developing a strong business plan.

read more here.

5. From Poetry Books to MacBooks: Alicia Birdwell talks about leaving academia for a career in interactive marketing

By Hunter Mills

Alicia Birdwell is Senior Editor at Rockfish Interactive. She holds a B.A. in English and History and an M.A. in English and History from Baylor University, and has completed PhD coursework at Texas A&M. Earlier this semester, Alicia spoke at our Professional Viewpoints panel on careers in writing and communications. She took the time to tell us more about her career path and the value of higher education.

To start us off, tell me a little bit about your position at Rockfish Interactive. What goes into being a Senior Editor for an interactive marketing agency?

 An interactive marketing agency works with clients to meet their technological marketing needs – so we create websites, mobile apps, social media advertising, etc. My role is to make sure we are executing our work flawlessly. So for example, before we launch a new website, I will go through the site and make sure there are no typos, that everything we have created matches the brand identity of our client, that everything makes sense, there are no broken links, etc. I also help write copy and ensure that everything we produce, from PowerPoint presentations to major new websites, goes out with no mistakes. 

We hope you had a refreshing Thanksgiving break. Now that you’ve read some of our favorite interviews, make an appointment to hone your own interview skills. Call our office today!

Start your day off right with our Morning Minute - a quick intro to one of the exciting job leads we can connect you to this week. 

Today’s pick is:
KUVN 14-05  -  Morning News Assignment Editor

The Morning News Assignment Editor is responsible for supervising and coordinating the news gathering process, researching, verifying and bringing breaking stories to air. Please submit resume and non-returnable demo tape to: 

News Assignment Editor Job 
Job number # KUVN 14-05
Manager name: Samuel Belilty
KUVN Univision 23
2323 Bryan St. Suite 1900
Dallas, Texas 75201

sbelilty@univision.net 

Want to learn more? Stop by Augustine 132 or call 972.721.5131

Start your day off right with our Morning Minute - a quick intro to one of the exciting job leads we can connect you to this week. 

Today’s pick is:
World Affarirs Council - Programs Manager

The World Affairs Council seeks a high-energy, detail-oriented, multi-tasking team player to manage public speaker programs and our young professionals group, reporting to the Director of Programs. This position coordinates public programs (80+ annually): lectures, screenings, socials, and two annual fundraising events. Please send your résumé and cover letter to Martha Powell, Director of Administration, 325 N. St. Paul, Suite 4200, Dallas, TX 75201 or mpowell@dfwworld.org. 

Want to learn more? Stop by Augustine 132 or call 972.721.5131