Last Advice

What Every Communication Student Wants to Know

Before They Graduate

Jessica Blain

Introduction
As my senior year at BYU-Idaho was approaching its end,
fear began to creep into my heart. Thoughts of doubt
began to pop into my head. Do I have what it takes to make
it? Can I get a job before I graduate? What is expected of
me when I do graduate? Do I have what it takes?
At the same time, I had to come up with an idea for my
senior project. A project that displays everything I learned
during my time at BYU-Idaho.
One night as I was lying in bed, the idea came to me. Write
a book that outlines what I need to know before I graduate.
The last advice I was dying to receive to bring me some
peace of mind.
I decided I would have a heart-to-heart with a group of
teachers at BYU-Idaho. I would ask them a set of questions
that would lead up to their last single piece of advice for
me and their students.
With the help of one of my mentors, I also decided to reach
out to a handful of professionals who currently work in the
field of communication.
This group of talented professionals shared with me what
they believe to be the most important skills and attributes
a student needs before they graduate. They also left me
with their last advice. Advice that I am willing to share with
everyone else.
This book is meant to provide hope to graduating
seniors, and a look into the world in which we will be
entering. This book holds the advice that every graduating
communication student is dying to know.

Table of Contents
Skills
Writing . . . . . pg 3
Design . . . . . pg 6
Presenting . . . pg 9

Attributes
Teachable . . . pg 12
Honest . . . . . . pg 15
Adaptable . . . . pg 18

Last Advice
Professional Advice . . . pgs 21- 40

Writing
Writing is thinking. To write well is to think
clearly. That is why it is so hard.
-David McCullough

When most people think of writing a huge sigh of

frustration is soon to follow. To many, the experience is
compared to going to the dentist, and him forgetting to
use the numbing shot before he works. Many feel that they
could never be good at writing, and it is always a struggle
for them to put their thoughts on paper.
However, this cannot be the case for those who work in the
communication field. No matter what emphasis or area
the communication students are headed, they will need
to have incredible writing skills ranging from storytelling
to research, said Heidi Peters Online Communication
Strategist and Graphic Designer.
There are two parts of writing communication majors
must master. This is the art of storytelling and grammar
checking.
Storytelling is the conveying of an event in words creating
an image in the minds of others. Stories have been shared
in every culture as a means of entertainment, education,
and cultural preservation.
The ability to do this in the written word is essential to
those who wish to enter the field of communication.
Communication professionals work daily to communicate to
others the stories and events that take place in the world.
This can be as simple as crafting the perfect tweet,
Facebook post, email, press release or blog post.
Communication professionals are story tellers. The ability
to write a story that sticks in the minds of others is how
one becomes successful.
One stumbling block that many writers face is the editing
process. Many students when they are done with a writing
assignment feel such relief; they forget to take the next
step to look over their work.

This creates a dirty habit, and the end result is poor

grammar and spelling mistakes. If your writing is suspect,
in any degree, you can expect your audience to disregard
much of what you say, said David Gagon adjunct English
teacher at LDS Business College.
There are three simple steps one can take to improve the
editing process. First, read out loud the pieces of writing.
Reading out loud can help point out grammar problems
that couldnt be noticed when simply reading the paper.
Second, do a simple spell check. Technology has led to the
great invention of spell check. This is a simple step that
many people skip over. Also, it is wise to read through the
paper and look for those tricky words that can have the
same pronunciation but different spelling.
Lastly, dont over edit. Sometimes thoughts can enter into
the mind about how the paper is never going to be perfect.
That thought is right. There are always changes that can be
made. However, this is not a healthy habit either. Learn to
be happy with the writing that is created, and accept that it
is ready to be published.
Good writing skills are hard to find in a world full of text
messaging and social media. Todays world of saying
things in 140 characters or less has seemed to drain new
graduates of the basic ability to write - an alarming reality,
said Josh Donat, Public Information Officer at TxDOT Be
able to write what you mean and mean what you write,
allowing a descriptive voice to get facts across in an
efficient manner so that even the more basic readers are
able to follow the information being presented.
To be a communication professional, good writing skills are
a necessity.

Design
Good art is a talent. Good design is a skill.
-Anonymous

The number one response from graduates from the

Communication Department is they wish they had more
design skills, said Ben Pingel teacher at BYU-Idaho. For
many, design skills do not come as a natural ability. It comes
from practicing the basic principles over and over again.
Once there was this girl named Annie. She had to take the
basic visual media class at BYU-Idaho. She took this class her
first semester at BYU-Idaho. She had no clue what to expect.
Every week presented itself with a new curve ball. Each week
there was a new project ranging from creating a logo to
taking a picture.
She would sit in front of the computer each week wondering
how she could make it through the class. After many silent
prayers, she was able to complete the projects and learn
the basic skills of design. When the class was done, she was
determined not to forget all she learned even though she
was not a visual media emphasis. Now, she has the ability to
make an effective layout and take a decent picture.
Practice makes perfect. Refer back to the beginning quote.
Good art is a talent. Good design is a skill. This skill can be
developed over time with much practice.
Visual media can be broken into five categories in which
someone can specialize. These are graphic design, web
design, digital imaging, social media marketing and video
production.
If a person can learn the basics of graphic design, web
design and digital imaging this will help set them apart in
the job search, said Carryn Esplin visual media teacher at
BYU-Idaho.
However in the world where Facebook is king and quickly
following is Instagram and Twitter, the ability to market on
the social media platforms is a necessity.

This is a fairly new skill in the field of communication.

Many schools do not offer classes on the social media
platforms. Then how does one learn?
It is simple, through practice. Sign up for all of them even
if it is a fake account. Play with as many different features
as you can and study up on how to get the best results,
said Jesse Hyde, Sales Support Management Analyst at
Hewlett-Packard.
Take the initiative to become an expert. Many in the
millennial generation have a Facebook page, Twitter feed,
Instagram account and everything else under the sun. Now
look at them from a business perspective.
How can they drum up business through social media? How
can they get more attention to their website through the
social media platforms? How can they reach the millennial
generation through the platforms?
These questions can be answered from this generation.
Research how it has been done already. Then experiment
on how to make it more effective.
Design skills are an essential tool in the communication
tool belt to help distinguish you from all the other
graduates in the job search. We judge books by their
covers, said Michael Cannon, Communication Department
Chair at BYU-Idaho. Having these skills is a real plus to
getting a job.

Presenting
Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to
convert, to compel.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Imagine being on stage in front of many people. Your heart

begins to race. Your palms become a little sweaty. Your
thoughts are bouncing everywhere. Fear begins to sneak in.
However, the idea that you wish to convey to the audience is
solid. You have worked for this moment, and you are ready to
give your idea.
Presenting can be a scary thought for many people. It
has been stated many times that people rather jump off a
cliff than stand up and speak. However, communication
professionals are taught to stand and speak up.
It might be scary. It might be difficult at times, but with
practice and training a person can gain the ability to
present. This is a necessary skill for those who wish to be
communication professionals. You can have great ideas, but
if you dont present them well they wont go anywhere, said
Michael Cannon.
Working in this field, a person must be able to present
themselves well. This might be in public, group settings or
interviews.
There is nothing more frustrating than seeing someone
who has an important message to share but because they
are not clear in their delivery or presentation, it becomes
hard to focus on the actual message. When we do not clearly
communicate, we then open the door for misunderstanding,
frustration and potential failure. Communication
professionals should never leave others hanging, said Seth
Saunders, VP of Communication and Training/Recognition at
Blendfresh LLC.
There are some basic tips to help someone improve their
presenting skills. The first tip is preparation. Practice makes
perfect. Take time to practice the presentation. Whether it
be a presentation of five minutes or twenty minutes. Every
presentation must be practiced beforehand. Say it five times
without mistakes, then you will be ready to stand and tell.

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Second is to be confident. Have the courage to say what you

mean, but never let your fear show while doing it. Ever seen
someone speak who doesnt believe in what they are saying?
Often times two minutes into the presentation the audience
has lost interest. Those who are confident present clearly
and concise. They believe in their message and express it
through their speech.
Finally, adapt to the audience. Those who can assess their
audience and adapt to their needs are the ones who can
cause change in the hearts of men. The number one thing
taught in all presentation classes is to grab the attention of
the audience. This only happens if the presenter thinks of
them while they write and prepare.
Presenting can be difficult. However, it is worth learning how
to do well. Professional communicators are often asked
difficult questions in the most untimely situations, whether it
be on camera for an interview, in a board room or at a public
speaking engagement. The ability to articulate well your
message is critical, said Josh Donat.
Work today to be a great presenter because one day you will
be on that stage. You will want your idea to be accepted by
those in the audience.

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Teachable
What I believe is that all clear-minded people should
remain two things throughout their lifetimes curious
and teachable
-Roger Ebert

photo by DuBsTePsLIFE

The world of communication is always changing. Just think

about it. 8 years in the past, businesses didnt think about
using Facebook to promote their businesses. Instagram,
Twitter, Pinterest and Snapchat didnt exist or were just taking
off.
No one ever thought that Netflix and other streaming
companies could threaten the traditional use of television.
Who knew that people could carry a cell phone that could do
practically anything?
With all these changes, communication professionals always
need to be open to new ideas. They must be searching for
new ways to communicate with the world. This takes a person
who is always thirsting for knowledge. The people who are
teachable are the ones who look for solutions.
Learn something new that will keep you up to date with your
craft. When you leave school here, the education is not over,
said Delaina Scholes, teacher at BYU-Idaho. Be a life-long
learner and learn something new every day.
Those who are teachable are also humble. The teachable learn
from their superiors and admit when they lack necessary skills.
Todays generation carries the reputation of being entitled. This
attitude will not carry any person very far in the communication
field.
We are people pleasers. This comes from communicating
effectively and meeting the expectations of others. The
students who can learn to do that will be the most effective. Be
humble enough to ask questions. Work to learn and improve
every day. This is what it means to be teachable.

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Be a life-long learner. Learn something new every day. Pull

out the old Britannica Encyclopedia and read something.
Google it, look at maps, virtually explore new places,
concepts, ideas. Listen to TED talks. Learn a new piece of
technology, said Delaina Scholes. Dont let your mind sit
idle for one minute. When you sit idle.....you will eventually
run out of gas....and..... die.
Start everyday as a new day in which you can learn. Look for
ways to learn from those who teach and lead you. Be humble
enough to accept their criticism and improve.

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Honest
If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do
not say it.
-Anonymous

In the world today, people will do practically anything to get

ahead. People will lie, cheat and push anyone out of their
way to be the one on top. However, to be truly successful
the person who is honest will end up on top.
We are often accused of spin as communicators. Our
job is to create or tell a story, and too often that story is
assumed to be fiction. No matter what, tell the truth, said
Josh Donat.
Those who are honest in everything they do will be a
refreshing improvement to any organization they enter.
Honesty comes with a consistent track record. A person
cannot build this reputation overnight. This reputation
comes from exercising personal integrity day-in and dayout.
Elder David A. Bednar has said many times that integrity
is built by simply being a good boy or a good girl. It is
doing what you know is right even in hard situations. We
as communicators will face situations that are difficult.
However, if we exercise personal integrity those difficult
situations can be conquered.
Do what you know is right. Stick to it. Dont give up. Be
honest in all your dealings. This is who you are. This is
what you do. You live it. You do it, said Delaina Scholes.
The best way for a student to exercise honesty in all things
is to be honest in all things. Do not cheat on assignments.
Put forth an honest effort in all group settings. Own up to
mistakes when they are made. Never point the finger at
others when it should be pointed at yourself.
Own up to your mistakes. If you made a mistake, admit it
and get on with things. By pointing the finger at yourself
instead of others, you will build trust in others. They will
trust you to do the right thing, said Delaina Scholes.

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Public relations students are taught to be honest in all

things. If we do not know the answer, we are trained to
say I do not know. This training cannot be lost in the
professional setting. It doesnt matter what we choose to
do. We must always be upfront with everything.
If you are an honest person in a field that is becoming
more and more dishonest, you will be respected and
chosen above others. Honesty isnt something that is
simply said. It is displayed through daily actions.

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Adaptable
Yesterday, I was clever so I wanted to change
the world. Today, I am wise so I am changing
myself.
-Unknown

The world of communication is always changing. Like

it has been said before. Who knew social media was
going to be so big? With these changes the world of
communication needs people who are willing to change
with it. People who are willing to adapt to any situation
and still create success.
When it comes to communication, there seems to be a
feeling like trying to put a puzzle together in water, said
Seth Saunders. You must be flexible so you do not get
frustrated which will impact the message you are trying
to communicate.
The ability to adapt is part of the job description of any
job in the communication field. A person must be able
to adapt when a plan falls apart. A person must be able
to adapt when the team you are working on wishes to
go in a different direction. A person must be able to
adapt to the needs of the client. Especially, when you
have worked weeks on an idea and they want something
completely different. There are countless situations in
which a person needs to be flexible and adapt.
Develop the ability to adapt to any situation. This will
set you up to be successful Be a team player. It isnt
about you. It is about the whole picture. It is about
synergism. Each person on the team can bring much
more experience, skill, greatness to the table than just
one person, said Delaina Scholes.
Being a team player is adapting to the team. Put the
team above your needs. The more flexible you are
in a team the more success the team will have. The
more success your team has results in success for the
company or organization you work for.

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Sometimes it isnt easy to be flexible. It takes practice

thinking about others more than yourself. This doesnt
mean being a push over. Being flexible does not
mean you simply do what everyone else wants but it
means you actively listen and then provide your expert
opinion, said Seth Saunders.
A flexible person listens to the needs of the client or
team. Then they try to fulfill the needs to the best of
their ability.

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Last Advice
What is your last single piece of advice to
graduating seniors?

Lane Williams
Journalism and Research Teacher at BYU-Idaho

The field of communication will be different in five

years. Few things will stay the same. Be flexible. Be
teachable. Learn to go with the flow of the changes.
Remember to learn how to play the new game.

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Caleb Trujillo
Communications Specialist for Pathway

My best piece of advice to students about to enter

the work world is to have a world to enter. In other
wordshave a job lined up. The simple truth is that
when you graduate and dont have a job, you are not
seen as a recent grad; you are seen as unemployed.
What a scary place to be. Students should do all
within their power to accept their diploma with a
job offer in hand. This can only be done through
hard workcompleting internships, networking with
professionals, updating your portfolio regularly, etc.

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Jeff Hochstrasser
Advertising Teacher at BYU-Idhao

Remember who you are, and keep your integrity.

Do not compromise your standards. If you work
for a person who asks you to compromise these
standards find a new job.

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Seth Saunders
VP, Communications, Training & Recognition
Blendfresh, LLC
My advice would be simple, chase your passion
and not a paycheck. All too often we can caught
up in the messaging of the world that it is
status, material possessions and title that are
most important. We have to remember that
communication can be used for good and bad.
If we are true to ourselves and focus on what we
are passionate about, it will be much easier to
enjoy a career in communications. Remember that
our attitudes, actions, feelings and who we are
will often come through our communications. If
we are not happy with what we are doing, it will
be noticed. If we are happy and passionate about
what we are doing, it will be noticed. Remember
that every word counts
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Ben Pingel
Visual Media Teacher at BYU-Idaho

Chase your dreams. Dont lose sight of your

dreams and what you want. When you chase your
dreams you will find a level of fulfillment you
cant find in other places.

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Luke Hale
Video Engineer, Sales Communications at Apple

Not one person cares about your degree.

You have to convince people that you
learned something in school. If you have
evidence that you completely mastered the
subject matter of three of your classes that
is more valuable than a degree.
It may be a portfolio or a strong
recommendation from someone you have
worked with but that evidence is going to
be the most valuable thing to graduate
with. If you work to get through classes
you are on your way to being an average
employee. If you worked every day to
become an expert in something you love
you will easily find success.

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Caryn Esplin
Visual Media Teacher at BYU-Idaho

When you go out and you get your first job,

find a way to make yourself indispensable.
Offer them something they didnt have before,
and be beneficial.

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Nate Sunderland
Enterprise Journalist / Web Developer at
Riverbend Communications

Endeavor to learn everything and gain

mastery in your field. Then try it again in
another field. Constantly learning opens you
up to inspiration and ensures youll always be
a valuable professional.

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Michael Cannon
Communication Department Chair at BYU-Idaho

Dont sell yourself short. Try to find your passion

and find a way to monetize it. Whatever it might
be pursue it.

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Heidi Peters
Online Communication Strategist and Graphic Designer

You have a dream in your heart and youre

either too scared to do it, dont think it exists, or
dont think youre good enough. Some of these
may be true, but go after it now instead of later
by developing the skills necessary to get there.
Work multiple jobs, work for free, do whatever
it takes to get there. It usually takes longer than
you think, but NEVER be too scared to start.

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Lee Warnick
Social Media and Analytics Teacher at BYU-Idaho

Be acutely aware of what is going on around

you in the world. Engage and understand in
the ever-changing world of communication.
Be the most informed and try new things.

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Josh Donat
Public Information Officer for the Texas Department
of Transportation
Be flexible. Know that the field youre headed into - be
it advertising, public relations, journalism, graphics,
whatever - will likely change quite a bit over the next 20
years. The communications industry is increasingly in flux.
When I was at BYU-Idaho just seven years ago the idea of
having people actually get paid to do social media hadnt
even emerged yet, and when I began school at BYU-I social
media wasnt more than Myspace (remember that?).
The fact is our industry is always evolving, and we have
to be ready and able to adapt. That means we need to
continue our education - we have to be learning just
as much as doctors and lawyers, even though people
dont think we do. Styles change. New technologies and
frontiers emerge. Be ready to become a part of the next
big wave of professional communication

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Delaina Scholes
Public Speaking Teacher at BYU-Idaho

Dont be a pond skimmer. I collect flat rocks

and then take my kids to the canal to skip rocks.
Think about it. The rock skips across the water
and then lands on the other side of the bank.
Think about the rock that sinks to the bottom
and gets the experience of immersion.
What is down there to explore? What else can
you find? Dont flit around your major, your life,
your religion and never totally immerse yourself
in it. There is so much to learn, to see, to
experience. You will lose out.

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Leah J. Davis
Online Community Coordinator, Content Writer and
Community Strategist

If you get an opportunity to hire people, be

prayerful in the process. Its not all about the
corporation or finding a perfect fit, its about
the eternal corporation. We need to learn, and
Heavenly Father can witness to us who we need
to learn with and from. Hire for skills, but also
hire for potential. We are life-long learners. Keep
your potential pencil in the eternal sharpener!

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David Gagon
Adjunct English Teacher at LDS Business College

Clothe yourself in integrity. That doesnt mean

you cant have fun; just make sure everyone
knows you have his or her best interest at heart.
And remember, you cant achieve this if you
speak or write poorly.

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Rebecca Solosabal
Public Affairs Officer for the United States Air Force

Communication professionals craft

messages, but it doesnt mean we have to do
so at the jeopardy of our personal integrity.
Research the company you are applying to
and ensure you are comfortable with their
mission. Is it one in which you can support
and be passionate? Once in the organization
dont be afraid to speak up, share your
thoughts or disagree when decisions are not
in line with what you feel is correct.

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Amy Antonelli
Global Executive/Philanthropist
Recognize the critical importance of the field you
have chosen to study. Great communicators have
the ability to change the world - indeed, they are the
only ones who ever have. Regardless of how great
an idea or how innovative a design, only a great
communicator can tell a story that makes it matter.
Market yourself as someone who can inspire change,
who can motivate and engage people, and then find
opportunities to prove that true, both in and out of
the workplace.
Remember that you have been given a remarkable
talent, and that with it you have something unique
and important to contribute. Make sure that every
job you take provides opportunities to stretch and
grow - and dont be afraid to reach for jobs that feel
beyond you. Oh, and one last thing, especially for
girls: always, always, always negotiate your salary.

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Jesse Hyde
Sales Support Management Analyst at Hewlett-Packard

My advice would be to seek out and

jump on every opportunity to gain
experience, deepen your skills, and
learn from the pros. Once you do that,
dont be afraid to apply for that dream
job. Be confident in yourself. Send out
applications everywhere whether or not
you think it is realistic Id not. Be ready
to learn once you get it.

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Ben Howington
Creative Director at Plectrum Communications

No one is smarter than you. Everyone wakes

up each morning wondering how they are
going to accomplish what theyre working on
that day. When you enter the work force, its a
clean slate. I dont think there has ever been a
time when young people can be as successful
as they are today.
Its not formulaic like it once was, where
experience equals success. Anyone can be
successful today. Just do your best. Be honest,
responsible and work hard. People like those
that tend to be successful no matter what
theyre doing.

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