On May 1, the Communication Studies Department held an all-day event that included the presentation of student awards and discussion panels.
The panels started early at 9 am in the Santos Manuel Student Union Theater.
The panel held alumnus that come from different aspects of the communications field, from television to public relations.
They touched on subjects about public speaking, how to network, where to get confidence, and mostly; how to get from where the students were sitting to where the panelists were sitting.
“Confidence comes from two things: first is preparation. Do your homework in advance, second is practice. The more you get out of your comfort zone, the easier it gets. It’s repetition.” said Coyote Radio manager, Jacob Poore.
The panelists encouraged students to attend events because that’s where the networking happens.
Jesse Sandoval, a post-production supervisor at Warner Bros., came from an introvert perspective.
“Fear is a lot of time what stops us, causes us to fail and to try. It’s okay to be nervous, just tell yourself, ‘hey, I’m nervous but I’m going to do this. And just do it.” said Sandoval.
Find ways that work for you, because just like one they emphasized; the opposite of networking is not working.
“What Employers Expect” was the title of the second panel.
They shared advice on how students can land their first job in communication, what needed experience they should pursue and what to expect.
At noon, the department held lunch and awards at the SMSU event center.
They acknowledged undergrads and graduate students for their dedication in the various branches of the department.
Professors, supervisors and more got the opportunity to express their gratitude and accomplishments of each student that received an award.
The awards that were given out in the category of Department Awards went to Graciela Troche, Andre Adame, Ariana Cano, Jessica Vierra and Gabriel Torres.
In Concentration Awards, the outstanding students were Berenice Quijada for the Human and Organizational Communication, Coyote Chronicle’s own Crystal Harrell for Media Studies and Nuha Bougis in Public Relations.
Lastly, the Activity Awards were handed out to six outstanding students.
Oscar Lobos and Theresa Salas in Forensics, Darnell Hutch for Radio, Coyote Chronicle’s Editor in Chief, Jason Samp, in Journalism, Ricardo Perez-Martinez in Video Production and Andrew Dieleman for the Palm Desert Campus.
Afterward, a “Grad Student Q&A” was held for upcoming graduating students.
The panelists shared experiences of what students will encounter in grad school, what the environment is like, and the differences.
“Grad school is completely different from being an undergrad. There is more work, less social life, won’t see your family as much but you will make connections, because those people that are in the same class as you, know what you’re going through,” said Cecilia Gutierrez, a second-year grad student.
The event was a busy day for participants, but it was filled with acknowledging hardworking students and alumnus helping their peers that are ready to leave the university and tackle the field.
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