What’s challenging/interesting/rewarding about my current job?

• It is challenging to know daily that I am not, technically, “using my degree” which is so important to many people. However, I feel that my education is still extremely valuable to me. The many oral presentations I gave during various communications classes helped me to think on my feet and overcome my fear of public speaking, which is a skill I use daily as I talk to people almost non-stop, typically strangers. My current job is rewarding because I am a patient’s first and last stop when they are at our office. Our interactions set the tone for their entire visit here, and it’s important that they feel cared for and informed. When they do, I know I’ve done my job well.

How do I use various communication proficiencies in my work?

• I suppose I answered this question already, to an extent. Because I speak to people all day long, and having good communications skills is key. I explain medical appointments and procedures, comfort patients that are nervous, answer questions about processes, etc. I also maintain a Facebook page for the Plastic Surgery department and help with promotions. I create graphics – (though I don’t have photoshop, ugh!) and other content for posts. The copywriting, graphics, and general composition training I received at QU has been very valuable in that regard.

What surprised me about my career?

• While my degree is in Communications, I have always had an interest in medicine and a passion for helping people. While my job is not the most prestigious (or lucrative,) I’m sometimes amazed that I ended up at a job that combines all of those interests and skills into one position. Someday I would really love to “use my degree” more, but, as of right now, this job has been a very good fit for me. I also never would’ve guessed I’d end up being so knowledgeable about Plastic Surgery!

Here’s my number one piece of advice for Communication undergrads:

• UTILIZE YOUR RESOURCES. I was working around 40 hours a week during my college years, and I wish very much that I hadn’t. I know some people do not have a choice in this matter, but I did, and I chose to work anyway rather than take help from my parents. Because of this, I was unable to hold an internship and I feel that really hindered me after graduation. I also did not take the time to utilize my professors’ expertise as much as I should have. Overall, I wish I had paid more attention to my schooling and the resources it offered to help me succeed. Your professors are there to help you! Internships are available to help you! Use every resource you can. And enjoy your time, it goes fast!

What should we have asked you?    

• This is a hard one! You and Dr. John were fantastic advisors. I just did not utilize you enough. I do wish someone would’ve told me to stop working as much and focus on school. But, I was an adult and made my own decisions!

Class year: 2012

Previous jobs since graduation: Bank Teller and Sales for US Cellular