Filipowski enjoys work, life in Australia

Published: January 19, 2006

School of Journalism alumni have found jobs all over the world, careers that build on their journalism studies. This series by Suzannah Evans asked some of those alumni to reflect on their careers.

Marty Filipowski, B.A. '85, at Bondi Beach in Australia (Courtesy photo)

Marty Filipowski, B.A. '85

Hometown: Valparaiso, Ind.

Current residence: Sydney, Australia.

Job: Account director, Spectrum Communications Australia, a boutique PR agency with clients in the information technology sector.

Describe your typical workday:
My day begins with a workout, usually a swim or run, and some time online to see what's in the news. Then I spend most of the day working with the Spectrum team to provide PR counsel and support to companies such as Intel.

Is this where you imagined you'd end up?
Living and working overseas was one of my personal and professional goals. And based on my holidays and work travel around the world, Australia was the first on my list of countries where I wanted to try to make a go of it.

On my fourth vacation down under, I began the process of looking for a job and an employer who would sponsor me for the necessary work visa. Now I have permanent residency status.

What's your proudest professional moment so far?
I have been fortunate to work with and for many good people. As such, a few moments come to mind, including being appointed press secretary for U.S. Sen. Connie Mack (R-Fla.), moving to New York to join the management team which launched what is now BT Radianz and now making it in Sydney.

What's your favorite memory of Bloomington or IU?
Football games with my grandfather, Walfred Nelson, a medical doctor who graduated from IU, and being pinned by my father, Stephen Filipowski, another IU grad, during my initiation into Beta Theta Pi.

Tell us something about where you live that we don't know.
It is possible to compete in ocean swims without being chased by sharks. Last weekend, I participated in a race off Bondi Beach and this coming weekend there is another off Manly.

Are you a graduate living and working overseas? The School of Journalism would like to hear from you as well. Contact Suzannah Evans (sudevans@indiana.edu) to fill out a short survey and let your classmates know about your exotic home and work.

Return to main story, Alumni find careers in far-flung places.