Wednesday evening's alumni reception

By Lauren Fabian

Wednesday night we went to the Alumni Reception at the international law firm McKenna Long & Aldridge. Kathleen and Jeff Haidet hosted the reception, and we appreciate their willingness to let us spend the evening with them. We enjoyed decadent hors d’ourves and a breath-taking view of Atlanta from the 53^rd floor. We met a variety of USC alumni currently working in the area. Everyone was very welcoming and I enjoyed learning tips and tidbits from each of them.

Stephen Brown, senior vice president, media relations for Manning, Selvage & Lee, told us further about what a day in the life of a public relations agency is like. He stressed the importance of experience and finding enjoyment in what you do. His demeanor showed how passionate he was about the job he does and the industry he’s in.

Alison L. Carnes, edit operations supervisor for Turner Studios, drew us in with her contagious energy and gave us advice about entering the work world. It was interesting to hear advice from someone who works with television and works for such a large, successful corporation.

The other alumni were fun to talk with and eager to share their experiences with us as well. They offered advice for different types of professions in the public relations field. Aviva Hoffmann told us about her unexpected career path that went from being a real estate title searcher in Hawaii to working in broadcast at a government television station in Georgia. Many of us got to see Varion Hunt again the next day when we visited the CDC, where she works. Ms. Hunt earned her M.M.C. degree from the J-school.

The alumni were interesting to talk to and offered their experiences to help us prepare for and better understand the world we’re about to enter. They gave us unique and personal looks into the different public relations professions as well as the professions that deal with public relations.

I realized that career paths are unpredictable and can be very exciting. I learned that it’s good to be open to new possibilities, and every possibility. I learned to find and pursue what I’m passionate about (even if it changes) with determination and an open mind.

…And the dessert display wasn’t half-bad either!