W
University of Washington

Professional Development Month 2012

Students at networking event

The Communication Alumni Board and the Department of Communication invite you to participate in Professional Development Month from Jan. 9-31, 2012. This is an opportunity to learn from alumni, top company representatives and other communication professionals about what to expect when you graduate and start your first job. The month-long programming includes networking, panels and workshops on improving your skills, and much more. The current job market will require you to differentiate yourself and stand out — Professional Development Month will give you the tools and connections you will need to make that happen. Sign up today!

Please use the following forms to register for events.

***PLEASE NOTE: You will not receive any confirmation emails pertaining to your registrations via Catalyst or Eventbrite. You will only be contacted if something is wrong with your registration. Therefore, please write down the workshops you are choosing to attend before you submit your registration survey.

Calendar of workshops and panels

Week 4

Register for week 4 events >>

Monday, January 30, 2012

Journalism in 2012
2-3:30 p.m.
CMU 126

Journalism isn’t what it used to be! How has the profession changed? How do I get hired? What does a newsroom look like in 2012? How do I get noticed? What are the top five skills a journalist needs in 2012? Come learn from today's journalists about how the profession has changed, evolved and where it is going.

Panelists:

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Speed Networking
4-5:30 p.m.
CMU 126

Do you want to travel for a living? Make a million dollars? Help clean up the environment? Bring your biggest dream here. Meet people, mingle, and join this fast-paced networking event for ideas, tips, and advice from experts on how to make your dream come true! All dreamers and their dreams are welcome. Register for Speed Networking >>

Confirmed guests:

  • Mitch Boyle
  • Adam Brotje
  • Alex Chordas
  • Catherine Englehart
  • Patricia Foote
  • Cliff Gurns
  • Rosemary Heckman
  • Bruce Johnson
  • Brooks Kolb
  • Kevin Mashek
  • Jackie Murphy
  • Jamie Rosen
  • Joan Slee
  • Shelley Smith
  • Terry Tazioli
  • Manual Valdes
  • Rebecca Warnock
  • Bryan Zetlan

Brown Bag Mentor Lunches

Register for mentor lunches >>

Tara Brown (B.A., 2006), UWMC Recognition Program & Events Coordinator UW Medicine Health System Human Resources Organization Development & Training
Tuesday, Jan. 10, 12-1 p.m.
CMU 102E

After graduation, Tara Brown spent a few months working for Starbucks and the Seattle Sonics & Storm. Committed to starting a career with the Sonics, she gave her notice at Starbucks, only to hear on her last day that Howard Schultz had sold the Sonics. Fortunately, she made her way back into the UW in September of 2006 via a part-time project appointment, which became full-time in less than a year. She has now been there for more than four years. As the Recognition Program & Events Coordinator, she runs the employee recognition program for the UW Medical Center and plans sports tournaments, banquet dinners, organization-wide picnics, as well as facilitating the formal awards program, for more than 5,000 employees. She writes a newsletter and creates all of the marketing for her program.

Edgar Gonzalez (B.A., 2004), Assistant Dean for Advancement and External Relations in the UW College of Built Environments
Thursday, Jan. 12, 1-2 p.m.
CMU 102E

After graduation, Edgar Gonzalez worked as Associate Director of Development for the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington, where he was responsible for major gift fundraising in the Natural Sciences Division. He then moved to the Alliance for Education as their Director of Development where he provided strategic and administrative oversight for all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation support, sponsorships, board development, and special events. He rejoined the UW development efforts earlier this year, bringing with him more than ten years of experience in fundraising and development. He is president of the Department of Communication Alumni Board.

Kaetlyn Cordingley (B.A., 2009), Legislative Correspondent for Montana U.S. Sen. Jon Tester
Friday, Jan. 13, 12-1 p.m.
CMU 102E

Kaetlyn Cordingley, a native Montanan, graduated from the UW Honors College in December of 2009 with a degree in Journalism. She now lives in Washington, D.C. working in the United States Senate for Montana Sen. Jon Tester as a legislative correspondent. Highlights of her time at UW include her study abroad in Rome with the Honors Program and the opportunity to work with Prof. David Domke on her thesis, a study of collective identity use in major presidential speeches. Last fall, she presented her thesis at the National Communication Association Convention in San Francisco.

Shanon Burke (B.A., 2002), Seattle Storm Corporate Sponsorship Service Coordinator
Thursday, Jan. 26, 1-2 p.m.
CMU 102E

Shanon Burke planned to be a journalist and graduated from the UW with a double major in editorial journalism and history as part of that plan. After graduation, she landed a job at her hometown paper, The Puyallup Herald, which was the same paper she interned for the summer prior; she was on her chosen path. For almost five years, Shanon worked her way from reporter to interim editor of the award-winning weekly paper. But then her path diverged. She became a consultant for the ninth largest school district in the state and she loved her job. However, the lure of full-time with benefits proved too great, and again, her path changed when she took a job as the Manager of Publications for the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association. That fun, challenging and complex job took an unexpected turn after three years when she fell victim to downsizing. Her once clearly defined career plan changed again when the Seattle Storm called. She answered and she has been the Corporate Sponsorship Service Coordinator ever since.

Past Events

Week 1

Register for Week 1 events >>

Monday, January 9, 2012

Professional Development Month Opening Event
4-6 p.m.
CMU 126

Join the Communication Alumni Board and business professionals to kick off Professional Development Month with food, networking, and details on the coming events (including a few surprises, but you must be present to learn the exciting news). Already registered? Pick up your schedule! Still thinking of registering? Do it here!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

How Did You Get That Job?!?
1-2:30 p.m.
CMU 126

One Communication Degree, Unlimited Possibilities. See where young alums have gone and how they got there.

Panelists:

  • MODERATOR: Shanon Burke, Seattle Storm Corporate Sponsorship Service Coordinator
  • Tessa Weber, Corporate Communication Specialist, Intellectual Ventures
  • Jamala Henderson, KUOW Presents producer
  • Kadee Gray, Social Media Marketing Manager for Produxs
  • Terry Tazioli, host of TVW's Author's Hour and former Travel Editor for Seattle Times
  • Matt Ironside, Senior Producer for Operations for the Seattle Times

Mentor Lunch: Tara Brown (B.A., 2006), UWMC Recognition Program & Events Coordinator UW Medicine Health System Human Resources Organization Development & Training
12-1 p.m.
CMU 102E

Mishaps & Miracles: What I Wish I Knew When I Graduated
5-6:30 p.m.
CMU 126

Shoulda, coulda, woulda… Gain valuable insight from alumni as they open up about their “ah ha” moments and what they know now that they wish they knew when they were your age.

Panelists:

  • MODERATOR: Stacey Engle, Director of Marketing at Fierce, Inc.
  • Zeina Hamed, Assistant Account Executive at Barokas PR
  • Matt Ironside, Senior Producer for Operations at the Seattle Times
  • Blake Harris, Vice President of Client Development at Fierce, Inc.
  • Nicole Tsong, MSN.com contributor and former reporter for the Seattle Times

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Experts in the House: Media
10-11:30 a.m.
CMU 126

Is your dream to work in media? Do you have questions about how to get started? Bring those questions and more and come meet professionals in the media world who will answer them.

Panelists:

Start Your Own Business
1-2:30 p.m.
CMU 126

Do you want to be your own boss? Come hear from entrepreneurs who will share their stories and the ups and downs on the road to successfully running their own business.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Mentor Lunch: Edgar Gonzalez (B.A., 2004), Assistant Dean for Advancement and External Relations in the UW College of Built Environments
1-2 p.m.
CMU 102E

Make Yourself Marketable: Translating Your School Skills into Work Skills
2-3:30 p.m.
CMU 126

You’ve spent at least four years learning your craft, now how do you take what you’ve learned and turn it into a 9-5? Learn how to talk about your skill set in a language that employers understand.

Panelists:

  • Candice Douglass, Dir. of Marketing and Communications, College of Arts & Sciences, UW
  • Jacque Coe, Dir. of Communications and Community Engagement, Bellevue School District

Manage Your Online Reputation
5-6:30 p.m.
CMU 126

Take control of your online presence. From LinkedIn to Facebook to your online portfolio — learn how to maximize your online exposure the right way.

Panelists:

Friday, January 13, 2012

Mentor Lunch: Kaetlyn Cordingley (B.A., 2009), Legislative Correspondent for Montana U.S. Sen. Jon Tester
Friday, Jan. 13, 12-1 p.m.
CMU 102E

Professional Development Happy Hour
4-6 p.m.
Hotel Deca District Lounge (directions)
All students and alumni 21 and over
Register >>

Meet and mingle with Department of Communication Professional Development Month students, alumni, and friends at the District Lounge located in the Hotel Deca in the heart of the University District. No-host bar with appetizers provided by the Department of Communication.

Pay-to-park available in the lot next to the Hotel and on surrounding streets.

Week 3

Monday, January 23, 2012

International Opportunities
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
CMU 126

If you want to live and work abroad but are unsure of what you would do or how you would do it, then listen up. Learn about opportunities available for working abroad and how to pursue them.

Panelists:

How Media Work
3-4:30 p.m.
CMU 126

Alumnus Lucas Mack will polish your media skills with tips for a professional presentation. Learn how to crop, block and present your media projects.

Panelists:

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Experts in the House: Non-Profit
1-2:30 p.m.
CMU 126

Are you passionate about art? Do you love the Pacific Northwest? Do you want to help make your community a better place to live? How do you combine your Communication degree, your passion, and you need to make a living? You may find that answer in the nonprofit arena.  Come learn about working in non-profit and find opportunities to realize your dream.

Panelists:

  • Amy Laughter, Major Gifts Officer, Overlake Hospital
  • Keri Kellerman, Director of Advancement for UW World Series at Meany Hall
  • Anna Fahey, Senior Communications Strategist at Sightline Institute
  • Cathy MacCaul, Director of Community Affairs and Media Inquiries, YWCA

Interviewing Skills: Put Your Game Face On
4-5:30 p.m.
CMU 126

You know that making a good first impression is important in a job interview, but do you know how to make it? Learn how to prepare for a successful interview, how to make a connection with your interviewer and how to ask thoughtful questions.

Panelists:

You’re Hired: Interview Bootcamp for Seniors
6-8 p.m.
CMU 126

All speakers are in charge of hiring interns and entry-level positions for their companies. These hiring managers will get you ready to shine for each interview experience you have. Reserve your spot using the online registration form and follow up by sending a resume to vsprang@uw.edu by Jan. 13. Space is limited to 20 students — seniors only please.

Panelists:

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Social Media = Paycheck
11-12:30 p.m.
CMU 126

Can you Tweet for a living? Ever wondered about creating a revenue stream from blogging? Come learn from people who have turned social media into their careers.

Panelists:

How to Become a More Powerful Speaker
3-4:30 p.m.
CMU 126

Improve your public speaking skills so you can be relaxed, persuasive and commanding in front of any audience.

Panelists:

SPJ Networking Event
6-8 p.m.
CMU 126

Details TBA.

Register for week 3 and 4 events >>

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Meet the Movers and Shakers in PR
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
CMU 126

Meet the rising stars in the PR world and pick their brains to find out how they got to where they are — and how you can get there too!

Panelists:

Mentor Lunch: Shanon Burke (B.A., 2002), Seattle Storm Corporate Sponsorship Service Coordinator
1-2 p.m.
CMU 102E

Be Fierce after Graduation: How to Craft and Deliver a Compelling Pitch
2-3:30 p.m.
CMU 126

After graduation, it is critical to convey your opinions and ideas around projects, teams, and your function within an organization. Learn a 7-Step model based on the business bestseller, Fierce Conversations, for building a compelling pitch that will create impetus for action while enriching relationships. Fierce, Inc., is a leadership development and training company.

Panelists:

Speed Pitching
4-6 p.m.
CMU 126

Learn the tricks of making the perfect pitch. PR professionals will share their expertise to ensure your next pitch is a winner.

Panelists: