One of the best parts of teaching here at Texas Tech is that moment when a former student e-mails you (or calls) and has the following to say: “I’ve got this great job!” In the College of Media & Communication, we are fortunate to have a Center for Student Success, Outreach and Engagement that helps students in a lot of different areas, but one of the primary goals is in career planning.

Ms. Cameron Skoczlas is the Career Counselor in the CoMC! She’s earned two degrees from Texas Tech – her B.A. in Public Relations and her M.A. in Mass Communication. She has served in her role for almost a year. I asked her about a few things:

What do you like most about your job?
Helping students feel confident in themselves and their futures                                                                  

 

When should a CoMC major start thinking about their first job out of college?
Start thinking about their first job out of college? Yesterday.
Start preparing for their future career? Today.
Start applying for their first job out of college? Closer to graduation.

You have the power to start steering your future in the direction you want, so start getting involved in opportunities that will lead you down that path to success. Community service, internships, student organizations, part-time jobs while in school, etc. Anything you can do now will prepare you for your future career, no matter what it is.

 

How should they prepare for that experience?
Students can visit me to go over resumes, cover letters and interviews. If they are needing assistance on finding internships or jobs, they can visit me or subscribe to our daily email list (http://eepurl.com/bvTKPv). If they are feeling unsure about what they want to do after graduation, they can visit me or take some online assessments through the University Career Center. Basically, they can visit me if they are unsure of where to start. You can call, email, or stop by my office (COMC 172, across from the Advising Center) to set up an appointment!

 

If you had one piece of advice for a CoMC major about to have their first job interview, what would it be?
Remember, they obviously saw something in your application/resume/cover letter that impressed them, which is why they called you for an interview. Don’t be afraid to be confident in yourself. Every interview is a chance to practice for future interviews, too. If it doesn’t go how you like, learn from it and try something different for the next one. You will have good and bad interviews. Also, know your experiences on your resume inside and out.  Also, thank you notes after the interview are GREAT.

What do you like being about a Red Raider?
Being a Red Raider means I come from a university that is full of pride and spirit. Red Raiders are known as some of the hardest-working professionals and ethical individuals, with industries continuously impressed by our alumni. I “strive for honor” every day, and will “ever more” because I am extremely proud to be a Red Raider and wouldn’t be where I am today without the faculty, staff, and opportunities at Texas Tech University.

Ms. Skoczlas is from the Arlington/Mansfield area and attended Mansfield ISD. Prior to working in the College, Cameron worked in university admissions – you may have seen her during RRO!