Communication Professionals Share Insights

KENNESAW, Ga. (Jan 7, 2012) — By Roberta Jackson, MAIGC, Cohort II

Meeting leading experts in the communications industry is one of the best ways for aspiring public relations professionals to develop their craft. As the saying goes, it’s no longer just what you know, it’s also who you know.

On November 28, 2012, students in Cohort II of Kennesaw State University’s Masters of Integrated Global Communication had the opportunity to “meet the pros.” Dr. Birgit Wassmuth, Department Chair and professor of the Survey of Global Communication course (COM 7100), organized a panel of professionals with input from the graduate students.

The panel consisted of Eric Turner (’94), Associate Director Impact 360; Ashli M. Davis (’06), Managing Owner, Type A Consulting; and Kymberlee Estis, Director of Communications and Development, Task Force for Global Health. Each panelist brought their unique perspectives on global communication to the interactive discussion with the graduate students.

Each panelist offered words of wisdom for the aspiring communication scholars in Cohort II. Ashli Davis shared that, although students are pursuing an advanced degree, they should enter the workplace with an attitude of humility. Kymberlee Estis advised students to design and maintain a personal website/blog populated with a resume, references and writing samples and create and maintain a professional profile on LinkedIn. Eric Turner, who visited over 80 different countries, suggested when traveling abroad to "go low-tech," i.e., travel with a journal and pen in the event the technology does not work.

The Survey of Global Communication (COM 7100) course provides an overview of global communication, its modern development and the role of information technology; global communication law and policies; global news and information flow; global communication in transnational and global companies; global public relations; global advertising; and issues in global communication.