-: The biggest thing when it comes communication
and public relations and employee communications, is well,
is to first of all look at a degree in communications.
At the University of Minnesota,
I got a degree
from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications,
and I cannot say enough good things about that degree.
I did the strategic communications focus
and it was really, really terrific
in getting me ready for this first opportunity.
So that's the first thing.
Just making sure your education aligns
with your eventual career goals.
Second of all, try to have a focus.
If it's technology, or if it's health care,
or if it's banking,
try to have a focus so you can align that skill set
with the communications, or with your communications degree.
And that will make all the difference in world
in getting that eventual first step.
And third of all,
and this is one of the most important ones: internships.
I had three different internships
at organization, small and big.
The first two internships I had were at two small companies.
I learned very quickly that small companies weren't for me.
And then I went, my third one was at US Bank,
and learned very quickly that the large environment
is where I thrive.
And that was extremely important
to get that out early in my career.
Between the internships, between the schooling,
and just between trying to get a track early on,
I think those three things together
could be a killer combination.