Jessica Haney | Nov. 15, 2010
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| Photo by Jessica Haney |
| Kathy Sunsdahl, an account supervisor for Caldwell VanRiper, offered advice to junior Rachel Krasnow at the Experts Workshop Friday. Students get networking opportunities as well as feedback on their work. |
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Diane Hayes, managing editor of the Post-Tribune in northwest Indiana, and Kathy Sunsdahl, account supervisor at Caldwell VanRiper in Indianapolis, were on campus to critique students’ writing samples and provide guidance on breaking into their respective fields as part of the semester’s Experts Workshop.
Launched by Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies Michael Evans last fall, the workshops bring pros, often alumni, to Ernie Pyle Hall to offer feedback. Students who participate submit five to seven clips in advance for professionals to review. Then, during the daylong event, students and experts meet in 20-minute, one-on-one sessions.
“It’s great to be able to get an outside perspective from someone in the field,” said junior Rachel Krasnow, a second-time workshop attendee who visited with Sunsdahl. “I’ll be able to get my foot in the door and network.”
Sunsdahl emphasized networking because the job market is so competitive right now. A lot of times, it takes a connection to get noticed. Her advice to aspiring public relations professionals was to take a job whether it’s ideal or not because the experience is worth it.
“A lot of students have asked about how you find a job,” said Sunsdahl, who said she was happy to connect them. “I encourage them to stay in touch and let me know where they end up.”
Graduate student Joseph Jackmovich will be seeking a full time job after he graduates this spring, so signing up for the workshop was a no-brainer.
“It’s always good to network,” he said. “And it’s impossible to grow if you don’t have feedback.”
Hayes reviewed Jackmovich’s articles from gamrfeed.com, a blog dedicated to video game news. Her advice was to continue exercising online media skills.
“Multi-platform experience is what they’ll look for,” she said of prospective employers.
Hayes’ most frequently given advice was to read. “That’s what made me a better writer,” she said.
Freshman Christine Spasoff appreciated that advice. She started working for the Indiana Daily Student this year, but wanted an outsider to assess her progress. After her session with Hayes, Spasoff was inspired.
“I think I’m definitely going to challenge myself more,” she said.
Hayes was most impressed with the students’ eagerness to listen and learn. When she was a student at IU, she didn’t observe as many opportunities to connect with professionals. “They’re much better prepared,” said Hayes, MA '88.
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| Photo by Jessica Haney |
| Graduate student Joseph Jackmovich talked with Diane Hayes, managing editor of the Post-Tribune, about his own work as well as the job outlook. |
“Students have also done a wonderful job of going beyond that,” he said.
For example, students get business cards and position themselves for jobs. He even remembers an instance where an expert wanted to hire a couple students she spoke with. “They spot talent,” he said.
All experts thus far have been journalism alumni, and Evans said there’s no end in sight for more potential alumni experts. Beyond the workshop, alumni love coming back to campus, he said. Experts met with professors during dinner Thursday night and had lunch on Friday with more students and professors.
“It’s fun to come back,” said Hayes. “I think it’s an even better program now than it was then.”
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