As a young and excited 18 year-old from outside of Chicago, I wanted to get out of the Midwest to see something besides flat plains and miles of cornfields. After a lot of research and fantasizing about getting away from horrible Chicago weather, I decided that the University of Denver was the perfect place to attend college. Luckily I was right! When I first stepped on the University of Denver’s campus I knew it was the right place for me. I was filled with excitement and was ready to take on what the next four years had to offer. Now, as a senior in the Media Film and Journalism Department, I look back at all the things that helped me grow to understand the person I am and who I want to become as an industry professional.
One thing that I have learned from both inside and outside of the classroom during these past couple years, is that taking a chance can be one of the most beneficial things for you personally and for your career. With an interest in fitness, and too many hours spent watching Grey’s Anatomy, I strung up this idea in my head that I should major in pre-med and it would be “cool” to be a doctor. I had chosen this path for myself (clearly based on the wrong ideas) before actually giving myself a chance to experience other options. After a semester of attempting to excel in biology courses, I was overwhelmed by the workload and underwhelmed by the subject matter.
Although I was hesitant try something new, I decided to change my major to Strategic Communications, a discipline that a few of my peers majored in and said that I would probably really enjoy. I ended up really liking my communication courses and realized I would not have found my passion without taking a chance on something new. Switching my major taught me that it’s OK if your life isn't mapped out and it is important to continue to try new things. How boring would it be if you knew exactly what the rest of your life looked like? Embrace uncertainty.
My new path prompted me to start looking for internships in my field. I had no prior internship experience, but I did have confidence, another thing I think that is essential to success. I applied to a few PR agencies in Denver and in Chicago so I could keep my options open.
Turner PR is an agency that I admire for their love of travel and outdoors, as well as the results they produced for clients. Based on my experiences, the best advice I can give students heading into the workforce is to take chances, stay determined and practice confidence in every thing you do. Confidence is key! - Ellie Logue ( @EllieLogue)