As a professional school, helping students explore careers is a valuable part of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s undergraduate mission. The pandemic made fulfilling this mission more difficult—but not impossible.
Director David Ryfe and Internship & Placement Coordinator Paul Jensen worked out this issue right away. They came up with a series of webinars they called “Finding Your Starting Point,” beginning fall of 2020. During these webinars, students met alumni and visiting professionals who have forged careers in various industries with their Journalism and Mass Communication degrees. In discussions with these alumni—35 of whom participated during the spring 2021 series—students had a chance to learn about what it is like to work in these industries.
Each event was an hour-long and featured three or four alumni. Current student and intern, Bailey Cichon served as a host for the series.
Students curious about career options were invited and encouraged to attend any or all the webinars.
Missed one? Watch them using the links below!
Careers in Public Relations (Chicago)
On February 9, 2021, SJMC hosted the first edition of the spring webinar series. We welcomed back three alumni: Ricky Brandt of Havas, Jim Heininger of Dixon-James, and Carla Keppler of Golin. The guests spoke on their experiences living in Chicago, networking, and working in public relations, internal communications, and advertising. Click here to watch.
Careers in Television (Chicago)
On February 16, 2021, SJMC reconnected with three alumni: Rachel Weyers of UNIVision, Kelly Davis of WGN and Anna Theodosis of ABC7. They explained their path to Chicago and the skills needed to survive in a frantic and fast-paced work environment. Click here to watch.
Careers in Marketing, Public Relations and Communications (NYC)
On February 23, 2021, SJMC held the third webinar of the semester. We traveled east virtually to hear from alumni that work and live in New York city. The four former Hawkeyes, Demi Samora of AbbVie, Rosemary Adams of McCann World Group, Michele Morgan of MindShare, Lauren Moore of Harry's Inc. spoke of their careers in marketing, the importance of networking, and the expenses of living in one of the most iconic cities in the world. Click to watch now.
Careers in Sports: Operations and Engineering
On March 2, 2021, SJMC hosted a panel full of experience in the sports industry with Ken Aagaard of CBS, Susan Stone of MLB.com, and Debra Honkus of NEP Broadcasting. From working at CBS, NBC, NFL Network, and MLB Network and covering world-renowned events such as the Olympics and the Super Bowl, these guests provide insight on the skills required to be successful in producing sports television. Click here to watch.
Careers in Strategic Communication (Chicago)
On March 9, 2021, SJMC hosted the third careers in Chicago webinar and welcomed four alumni: Kelsey Cunniff of DoorDash, Krystal Loewe of AbbVie, Lauren Phelps of Fleishman Hillard, and Casey Levigne of August Jackson. They explained how to be successful in strategic communications, gave advice on sending cold emails, and networking in Chicago. Click here to watch.
Careers in Sports Journalism
On March 30, 2021 SJMC hosted their sixth webinar of the spring semester. Joined by Ken Aagaard of CBS, Jeff Pearlman a New York Times Bestselling Author, and Ken Kerschbaumer of Sports Video Group, they discussed their careers and the lessons they learned during their journey to becoming successful sports journalists.
Click here to watch.
Careers in Media (Los Angeles)
On April 16, the Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communications held the seventh and final webinar of the 2021 spring semester. Welcoming back alumni Isaiah Scales of Disney Media and Tom Tyrer of Circle Change Media, the two former Hawkeyes spoke of their experiences as media professionals, what it takes to make it in Los Angeles, and gave general advice to current journalism students. Click here to watch.
Thank you to everyone who was able to participate in the webinars!
With a wide range of panelists, we hope that we were able to represent many of our student's interests.
Students can look for more insightful career exploration opportunities next semester.
Alumni interested in participating can contact paul-w-jensen@uiowa.edu.