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Mentoring
Alumni and friends share their experiences with students and serve as valuable mentors and role models. Our students tell us they value these interactions a great deal, and that they gain insights into career planning and into their education.
Please contact vsprang@uw.edu if you are interested in visiting the department and meeting students.
The Department of Communication 2009-10 Mentor Lunch Series
Diane Scott, Class of 1988
Public affairs and communications officer at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Development Program
November 13, 2009
Diane is a public affairs and communications officer at the Bill & Melinda
Gates Foundation's Global Development Program. Diane's first job out of
college was working for a company that provided malpractice insurance to
doctors in marketing communications. Ten years later, she was on her way to
Jordan to work with a friend who was running a recycling program for
underprivileged kids. She ended up staying there for seven years, starting a
new career in development communications. The majority of her time was spent
working on a wide range of United States Agency for International
Development (USAID)-funded projects, from microfinance to family planning,
from rule of law to relief and reconstruction, creating and executing
communications programs for projects and for government. Her work took her
to Indonesia, Uganda, Colombia and the Philippines.
This lunch was a great experience to learn more about Diane Scott's life and
learn exciting information about public relations and media jobs. Her story
is truly inspiring and really interesting.
—Michelle Dryjanski
Diane Scott was great at making everybody feel comfortable to be able to ask
all sorts of questions as well as giving advices as best she could. It is
definitely enlightening to hear from someone, who at one point in her life
was in the same position as us (a UW student), doing something that she
loves and working for a great organization.
—Pilar Mendoza
This was a great opportunity to pick the mind of a very intriguing person.
Her story, albeit non-traditional, offers a great example of following your
passion. These luncheons are an ideal avenue for getting your questions
answered by a true professional. I appreciate the networking opportunity,
and the chance to speak to someone who is in my quintessential career field.
—Steven Landry
One of the important messages that Diane Scott voiced to us during the lunch
is to take risks in your life. The future is not a linear path for every one
of us, and usually the risks we take will place us in situations in which
new opportunities will come to wherever we are currently at. From my
experience in deciding majors and career paths, I enjoyed learning that
Diane shared this vision. I also enjoyed learning about the work of the Bill
and Melinda Gates Foundation and new perspectives on the use of social media
in communications and global development.
—Christina Nghiem
Thanks for the opportunity. I was very impressed with Ms. Scott. I really
appreciated hearing about her diverse career background. The discussion with
her underscored for me the value of internships, risk taking, and the
importance of following your passion in your career pursuits. It reinforced
my belief that if I do what I love everything will work out and that there
will be enough money to keep me happy.
—Nathan Riding
Joni Balter, 1974
Seattle Times reporter
November 9, 2009
Joni Balter, a veteran Seattle Times reporter, has been on the editorial staff for 11 years. She is the political writer for the page, covering local, state and national politics. Department chair David Domke co-hosted the lunch.
I just wanted to write to say how much I enjoyed the lunch with Joni Balter. She was very personable and gave us great encouragement and advice. A notable part of the discussion where was when Prof. Domke brought up an ethical issue in regard to Seattle's mayoral race and she asked all of our thoughts on the topic and then shared her own. I hope you continue to do more events like this in the future.
—Kelly Gilblom
Today's lunch was very informative. I found Mrs. Balter had lots of good and relevant advice for students. A UW graduate, she talked about how to best get an internship and how to make yourself stand out among other applicants. I took Opinion Writing, the class she co-teaches with Mike Henderson, and I would recommend it for any student.
—Nicole Ciridon
Gary Odegard, Class of 1972
Marketing and branding
October 13, 2009
Gary Odegard has over 30 years of award-winning domestic and international experience with some of the world's most recognized brands. His industry experience includes automotive; aviation; travel, tourism and hospitality; world and local sports events and athletic products; technology; shipping and transportation; food products; food service distribution and building products.
The career lunch with Gary Odegard was a great experience to connect with UW alumni. I did not only learn useful tips for when I apply to jobs after
graduation, but also got valuable advice for my remaining time at the
University of Washington. Gary Odegard's story was not only interesting, but
also rich in a diverse background which helped me see how I should explore
new opportunities whenever possible. I learned helpful information from this
lunch, which will make me strive for better accomplishments in my future.
—Michelle Dryjanski
Thank you for the lunch today and setting up the meeting with Mr. Odegard.
It was great hearing about the career I am looking into from an experienced
professional.
—Jennifer Wong
Susanna Tull, BA, 1976; MBA, 1985
30+ year career professional in communications
October 8, 2009
UW Club
Susanna Tull, two-time Husky grad (BA Communications, MBA) helped create the concept of transportation "demand management" in the Pacific Northwest. Shortly after earning her BA in the late '70s she joined a group of advertising and marketing consultants who first promoted the idea of off-peak marketing to reduce transportation costs and congestion for the Washington State Ferries and Metro. Most recently, Susanna was a key developer of the highly regarded King County In Motion neighborhood-based transportation choices model that has been successfully implemented in more than a dozen parts of King County.
Susanna's 30+ year career in communications has given her rich background in all elements of promotion, media and graphics development. She has designed campaigns, written copy and managed production of materials, advertisements and websites.
Balancing work and family has been a top priority, allowing Susanna to be extremely active as a community volunteer while maintaining her part-time consulting business. She has received numerous awards for her volunteer work for public schools and the Association for Women in Communications. In addition to her consulting work, Susanna's current endeavors include chairing the Washington Women's Foundation Grants committee and launching a retail website.
Susie had such enthusiasm when she talked with us about her own experiences. She had a worldly view on how business works and how to accomplish what you love while still spending time with your family. I have great respect for Susie, and am glad that I had the chance to speak with her.
—Cassandra Grob
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and am so glad that the University of
Washington offers such great opportunities to students.
—Deepti Mago
Thank you so much for holding such a great event. Meeting with Susie was a wonderful opportunity. All the faculty present were more than helpful, and also were friendly and outgoing. This was my first luncheon, so it was nice to have everyone make me feel welcome and wanted. I enjoyed asking questions and hearing Susie's story about entering the professional world, and I am very grateful to have had such an opportunity.
—Marsha Olson
