1. Where did you do your internship while in MRU Journalism?

Beatroute Magazine

2. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have liked to give yourself as you started your internship?

I would say that the best advice I could give in terms of finding an internship is to really think about what you're good at, why you're getting into the program and what you want to do in the future. Once you figure that out, wipe it all off the board and do the exact opposite of that for your internship(s).I can't emphasize this enough, but being able to diversify right out of the gate is absolutely key to success in the communications world. Employers want people that are good at everything and chances are you're going to pick up things you're already interested in and gravitate towards along the way as it is. Keep all bases covered at all times. That's the bottom line.

3. What is something that really stands out when you think about your time at MRU Journalism?

The people you meet along the way, both in terms of professors and colleagues, will always stick out to me as one of the main highlights of my time in the program. It's such a unique field, both in terms of the work you do and the types of individuals you cross paths with, that it gives you such a platform to pick things up and learn as you work your way through. Not only that, but everybody is generally rad to hang out with and get to know, so don't take it for granted while it's around. I always think back to that scene in Adam Sandler's Billy Madison when he's telling the kids about life after elementary school and the one says something along the lines of, "I can't wait to get out of school!" Sandler's response is mine to you. “Don't ever say that. Don't ever leave. Cherish it while you can.”

4. How transferrable were the skills you acquired in your education?

It depends on the skills. From my experience, both in my own career and talking to others, it seems like there's a pretty solid foundation of things that everybody should keep sharp at all times. That being Adobe Creative Suite and an expert grasp of the English language to the extent of being able to use it for client and contract work.

That being said, marketing really seems to be taking off as a main form of communications work in the world right now, so I would absolutely keep an eye on that if it's something that there was even a remote interest in.

5. In your career, what type of work has most excited you, and why?

Excuse me for the cynicism on this one, but I think the most exciting type of work to me is the work that's available and willing to pay a decent wage. It's getting pretty hairy out there in terms of competition and positions available, and being able to stay employed during a global health crisis has me constantly raising my arms in praise for whatever this strange luck is. Between that and graduating in 2015 during the oil crash, I sometimes feel like I've turned into the Road Runner of journalism; constantly avoiding falling rocks and anvils en route to the prized bird seed.

6. What is the most important but unwritten rule that you’ve learned on the job?

There are many, but I think the most important thing is just to remain as zen as possible in terms of change and workload and other moving parts that may be faced over the course of a flourishing career. Be willing to do new things, adapt on the fly, and be ready for just about anything. Most important of all, try to do it with a smile, or at least a half-smirk.

7. Who has most inspired you along the way, and why?

Each and every person that I've crossed paths with during my time in this crazy career. I don't often reach out or even post on social media, but it's super rad for me to catch glimpses into everyone's lives when they are out succeeding or doing big things or pursuing some sort of creative entrepreneurial goal that pertains to our field. I feel like there's really no right or wrong way to go about getting to the top in this business, and I think MRU Journalism graduates are an extreme testament to that.

8. Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience in MRU Journalism?

Remember to network and make as many friends as possible. Go to the seminars. Go to the journalism parties. Create those connections and do the work to set a solid foundation early on in the game. Not only will it help you out in the program, but it'll come in handy down the road too when you're looking for gigs because it's such a small community, in a very weird way. Sean Holman once told me, in reference to seeing your colleagues down the line: "It's f****** inevitable."