By Kirby Reed
Students caught a quick peek into the world of communications through “Cool Communication Careers,” an event that brought in five panelists from the fieldsof journalism, film and television production, public relations and graphic design as part of Career Week 2006.
Jim Smith, a University professor of journalism ethics, spoke about his time withNewsday and covering Vietnam from the inside as a reporter for Stars & Stripes.
Noting the demands of a career in communications, Smith cautioned students not to get frustrated.
“Don’t let other people decide what you can and can’t do,” said Smith. “Use it as a motivator to prove them wrong.”
Representing the film and television industry were Christopher Picone and Katie Mulligan.
Picone currently works in postproduction at HBO in New York City, contributingto HBO Films and Original Programming including The Sopranos, Entourage and BigLove.
Mulligan, a member of the New York Directors Guild of America’s Assistant DirectorTraining Program, has gained experience working on commercials, blockbuster movies and television shows including The Sopranos, Law & Order, and 16 Blocks.
“If you have the integrity to be a good worker, you’ll get that promotion,” said Picone. Refering to an early job he had working security for a production, Picone stressed the importance of doing your best at whatever job you have, big or small.
As a student, Mulligan was involved with HTV and WRHU, two organizations where shegained a tremendous amount of experience.
The panel agreed that making a good first impression is very important when applying for a job and Mulligan encouraged students to “wow” potential employers with their resumes.
“Make your cover letter into a narrative,” Mulligan suggested. “Show them something different.”
Rounding out the panel were Lindsey Calabrese and Erin Hallahan, representing public relations and graphic design, respectively.
Calabrese currently works as the assistant director of public relations for the University, while Hallahan works for Adelphi University’s Office of Promotion and Outreach.
Both echoed Mulligan in the significance of campus involvement and internships. While at the University, Hallahan garnered a coveted spot working as an intern for Seventeen magazine.
Following the discussion students were encouraged to ask questions and speak one-on-one with members of the panel.
“I want to be a producer, so I really found what Chris and Katie had to say very interesting,” said Asher Krassner, a freshmen film studies/production major.
“I had no clue about the Web sites [that Katie mentioned] for finding jobs and internships,” he added.
“It’s always helpful to talk with people in your career field,” said Chris Mawson, a freshmen video/television major.