Presenters include execs from Boeing, Starbucks & more
EVERETT, Wash. – Executives from Boeing, Starbucks, Edelman and KIRO-TV were among the participants at the second annual Communication Day event, held at WSU North Puget Sound Everett on Monday, March 27.
The event, which was attended by about 40 students and 15 industry professionals, included a keynote Q&A with Boeing VP Communications Sean McCormack and four professional development sessions focusing on topics ranging from brand journalism, ethics in the media and career development.
At the end of the day, students were able to directly interact with many of the professionals during a “social lunch hour” that included both mentoring opportunities for students and recruiting opportunities for executive participants. In addition, all student attendees were provided with a career development packet that included tips for best practices in job seeking. The event was co-sponsored by Murrow alum Ben Martin and Boeing.
Here was the complete schedule of events:
7:30 AM
Morning Meet and Greet/Mingler with continental breakfast
7:45 AM
Greeting/Intro
- Lynne Varner, Associate Vice Chancellor, Marketing Strategy & Community Engagement at Washington State University
8 AM
View from the Top: An Interview with Boeing VP Sean McCormack
In this moderated Q&A session, Boeing VP Communications Sean McCormack shares his experiences, strategies and case studies in public relations.
Moderator:
- Alex Pietsch. Associate VP for Corporate Relations at Washington State University
Participant:
- Sean McCormack, VP Communications at Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Audience at Communication Day
9 AM
Brand Journalism
Leading experts in brand journalism share their insights and experiences on how to establish brand loyalty and engagement through storytelling.
Moderator:
- Brett Atwood, Director of Integrated Strategic Communication (Everett) at Washington State University
Panelists:
- Kellie Garnett, Executive Editor for 1912 Pike at Starbucks
- Nicole Sanchez, Professional Storyteller at The Seattle Channel
- Gina Neace, former Media Planner at Razorfish
- Jeff Dubois, Digital & Social Media Content Creator at Cox Media Group/News Reporter/Anchor at KIRO-TV
10 AM
A Year From Shore: Recent Murrow Grads in the Workforce
Recent Murrow grads talk about that first year in the workplace. Getting the job, expectations, salaries etc.
Moderator:
- Lucrezia Cuen Paxson, Clinical Assistant Professor at Washington State University
Panelists:
- Tenzin Choephel, Corporate Journalist at The Polyclinic
- Nick Dettorre, former producer at KIRO Radio
- Jody Hawkins, Public Relations & Social Media Associate Director at the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour
- Taylor Morris, Digital Marketing Assistant at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge
Career Panel
11 AM
Salary 411: Compensation Advice for Communication Grads
This panel offers context and tips about target salaries and freelance rates in Seattle and other metropolitan areas that typically have more communication opportunities. What should those new to the field or first-generation college grads keep in mind about how to find a good, fair-paying job (or consulting role) in the industry? What might students new to interviewing for these kinds of positions need to know about corporate culture that might help them to interview well and secure these kinds of positions? What are tips for turning interning or freelancing into a viable path for securing a permanent role? How to be wary of potential pay gaps (by gender, age, experience level, role type, or other factors)? Come hear a range of experienced professionals reflect on these matters.
Moderators:
- Derek Scheips, Clinical Assistant Professor at Washington State University
- Dr. Robert Richardson, Clinical Assistant Professor at Washington State University
Panelists:
- Heidi Brown, Director of Customer Experience at American Tire Distributors
- Amanda Castleman, Independent Writing and Editing Professional
- Melissa Cruz, Regional Recruiting Manager at Edelman
- Dr. Ciera Graham, Associate Director of Student Services at WSUNPSE
Ethics Panel
Noon
Finding Truth in Our Stories: Communication Ethics Across Disciplines
As communications professionals and consumers, we are caught in a tug-of-war between the law (the rights and freedoms we enjoy under the first Amendment and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights), and ethics (the professional responsibilities we need to be conscious of as we exercise these rights). According to a research study from Stanford University, more than 80% of students could not distinguish between a piece of “native advertising” (sponsored content) and a verified news article. Therefore, it is crucial today to engage in conversation that will educate our students to become careful creators, curators and consumers of all media types.
Moderator:
- Corrie Wilder, Clinical Assistant Professor at Washington State University
Panelists:
- Kellie Garnett, Executive Editor for 1912 Pike at Starbucks
- Janelle Guthrie, Communications Director at Washington Employment Security Department
- Eric Stevick, Deputy Local News Editor at The Daily Herald
- Jeff Dubois, Digital & Social Media Content Creator at Cox Media Group/News Reporter/Anchor at KIRO-TV
1 PM
Social Lunch Hour
Students and professionals get together for a social hour. Free lunch provided!
Want to learn more about Murrow College’s Integrated Strategic Communication progam in Everett?