Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Jessica Blain
Introduction
As my senior year at BYU-Idaho was approaching its end,
fear began to creep into my heart. Thoughts of doubt
began to pop into my head. Do I have what it takes to make
it? Can I get a job before I graduate? What is expected of
me when I do graduate? Do I have what it takes?
At the same time, I had to come up with an idea for my
senior project. A project that displays everything I learned
during my time at BYU-Idaho.
One night as I was lying in bed, the idea came to me. Write
a book that outlines what I need to know before I graduate.
The last advice I was dying to receive to bring me some
peace of mind.
I decided I would have a heart-to-heart with a group of
teachers at BYU-Idaho. I would ask them a set of questions
that would lead up to their last single piece of advice for
me and their students.
With the help of one of my mentors, I also decided to reach
out to a handful of professionals who currently work in the
field of communication.
This group of talented professionals shared with me what
they believe to be the most important skills and attributes
a student needs before they graduate. They also left me
with their last advice. Advice that I am willing to share with
everyone else.
This book is meant to provide hope to graduating
seniors, and a look into the world in which we will be
entering. This book holds the advice that every graduating
communication student is dying to know.
Table of Contents
Skills
Writing . . . . . pg 3
Design . . . . . pg 6
Presenting . . . pg 9
Attributes
Teachable . . . pg 12
Honest . . . . . . pg 15
Adaptable . . . . pg 18
Last Advice
Professional Advice . . . pgs 21- 40
Writing
Writing is thinking. To write well is to think
clearly. That is why it is so hard.
-David McCullough
Design
Good art is a talent. Good design is a skill.
-Anonymous
Presenting
Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to
convert, to compel.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
10
11
Teachable
What I believe is that all clear-minded people should
remain two things throughout their lifetimes curious
and teachable
-Roger Ebert
photo by DuBsTePsLIFE
13
14
Honest
If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do
not say it.
-Anonymous
16
17
Adaptable
Yesterday, I was clever so I wanted to change
the world. Today, I am wise so I am changing
myself.
-Unknown
19
20
Last Advice
What is your last single piece of advice to
graduating seniors?
Lane Williams
Journalism and Research Teacher at BYU-Idaho
22
Caleb Trujillo
Communications Specialist for Pathway
23
Jeff Hochstrasser
Advertising Teacher at BYU-Idhao
24
Seth Saunders
VP, Communications, Training & Recognition
Blendfresh, LLC
My advice would be simple, chase your passion
and not a paycheck. All too often we can caught
up in the messaging of the world that it is
status, material possessions and title that are
most important. We have to remember that
communication can be used for good and bad.
If we are true to ourselves and focus on what we
are passionate about, it will be much easier to
enjoy a career in communications. Remember that
our attitudes, actions, feelings and who we are
will often come through our communications. If
we are not happy with what we are doing, it will
be noticed. If we are happy and passionate about
what we are doing, it will be noticed. Remember
that every word counts
25
Ben Pingel
Visual Media Teacher at BYU-Idaho
26
Luke Hale
Video Engineer, Sales Communications at Apple
27
Caryn Esplin
Visual Media Teacher at BYU-Idaho
28
Nate Sunderland
Enterprise Journalist / Web Developer at
Riverbend Communications
29
Michael Cannon
Communication Department Chair at BYU-Idaho
30
Heidi Peters
Online Communication Strategist and Graphic Designer
31
Lee Warnick
Social Media and Analytics Teacher at BYU-Idaho
32
Josh Donat
Public Information Officer for the Texas Department
of Transportation
Be flexible. Know that the field youre headed into - be
it advertising, public relations, journalism, graphics,
whatever - will likely change quite a bit over the next 20
years. The communications industry is increasingly in flux.
When I was at BYU-Idaho just seven years ago the idea of
having people actually get paid to do social media hadnt
even emerged yet, and when I began school at BYU-I social
media wasnt more than Myspace (remember that?).
The fact is our industry is always evolving, and we have
to be ready and able to adapt. That means we need to
continue our education - we have to be learning just
as much as doctors and lawyers, even though people
dont think we do. Styles change. New technologies and
frontiers emerge. Be ready to become a part of the next
big wave of professional communication
33
Delaina Scholes
Public Speaking Teacher at BYU-Idaho
34
Leah J. Davis
Online Community Coordinator, Content Writer and
Community Strategist
35
David Gagon
Adjunct English Teacher at LDS Business College
36
Rebecca Solosabal
Public Affairs Officer for the United States Air Force
37
Amy Antonelli
Global Executive/Philanthropist
Recognize the critical importance of the field you
have chosen to study. Great communicators have
the ability to change the world - indeed, they are the
only ones who ever have. Regardless of how great
an idea or how innovative a design, only a great
communicator can tell a story that makes it matter.
Market yourself as someone who can inspire change,
who can motivate and engage people, and then find
opportunities to prove that true, both in and out of
the workplace.
Remember that you have been given a remarkable
talent, and that with it you have something unique
and important to contribute. Make sure that every
job you take provides opportunities to stretch and
grow - and dont be afraid to reach for jobs that feel
beyond you. Oh, and one last thing, especially for
girls: always, always, always negotiate your salary.
38
Jesse Hyde
Sales Support Management Analyst at Hewlett-Packard
39
Ben Howington
Creative Director at Plectrum Communications
40