What Would I Tell My College Self?

Win More Stress Less

Photo: Shara Lange, ETSU

Tips for Success:

· Recently I had the opportunity to speak with a group of soon-to-be Radio/TV and Theatre graduates at East Tennessee State University. In preparation for our meeting, I jotted down these tips.

1- Get and have a good education! I have never regretted my BS from Cornell or my MBA from ETSU.

2- Be a lifelong learner. Just because college is over doesn’t mean your education is. In my case I got my accreditation in public relations which in turn keeps me earning CEU’s and staying fresh.

Good Communications Skills

· · Writing – Write every chance you can! In the workforce you will find yourself communicating via emails (internal & external). So write for your college paper and yourself. Keep a journal. In my case, daily writing led to publishing a book!

· Speaking- proactively go after speaking engagements and accept them when asked. You never know where they can lead.

· Reading – Keep up on trends. Know what’s going on.

Always stay current

o Embrace the latest technologies. Learn and use them.

Say YES!

· Example: When the long time Niswonger Children’s Hospital Radiothon founder Don Raines asked me to co-captain the Radiothon this year I said yes! I made amazing contacts and got to celebrate our success of raising more than $30,000 together!

TV and radio skills come in handy your whole life. We borrowed some plug-in mics and did a Facebook live from the event. I interviewed a member of the VIP committee who shared her personal testimonial about Niswonger Children’s Hospital.

o Dress for success on camera and in person. Better to be overdressed than underdressed.

o While on the subject of clothes please no pajamas for job interviews!

o Volunteer! I volunteered for the committee for the ETSU Construction Summit – and met construction experts from across the country and even did a guest TV media appearance with the conference chair.

o Join organizations- For me the Johnson City Rotary Club and the Public Relations Society of America, along with my church, are huge places of belonging and growth in service.

o Take on leadership roles- Step up to the plate and accept leadership positions

o Give back to your community- Remember to always give back by using your skill set for good. I was able to contribute my book “Fill the Dam Thing Up!” as a gift to all ETSU Construction conference attendees.

Stretch/ Lead/ Ask/ Try!