The Value of a Marquette University Education

By Courtney M. Sampson

As a senior in the College of Communication, I’ve been reflecting lately on the value of my degree from Marquette University. The running theme that has developed throughout my time here at Marquette is that I couldn’t have asked for a better college experience, and this past week was no exception. I was reaffirmed about my choice to attend Marquette and choose corporate communication as my major.

I’d consider myself a student who aims to take full advantage of my degree; I refuse to pass up unique opportunities, especially those related to communication. This year, I have seen our college “step up its game.” From the Nieman Lecture, featuring Gwen Ifill’s perspective on politics and the media to the recent college-wide event, Open Minds – a day spent dialoguing about media and democracy, I have learned so much from notable professionals, people from the communications industry, experienced faculty, and my fellow classmates.

On February 23, the university brought Nick Ashooh, Marquette journalism graduate and former communications executive for AIG, to campus for a breakfast forum. Several students from our college, including myself, attended the event. It’s one thing to learn about crisis communication in the classroom, and it’s another thing to hear how a crisis plan is implemented in-action. Following the breakfast forum, Ashooh visited Dr. Sarah Bonewits-Felder’s corporate rhetoric class to discuss his career trajectory and give additional case study examples with specific tactics he implemented during the times of crisis. Hearing about the purposeful and strategic development of a crisis communication plan was invaluable.

He also provided a helpful “top-ten” list. In case you missed it, I’ll share Ashooh’s thoughts with you.

10. Communication is all about business
9. Don’t overlook any contacts
8. Seek outside opinions, but realize there is not a magic consultant who can tell you exactly how to implement a crisis communication plan
7. Work with the media; don’t avoid them
6. Read the Wall Street Journal and watch 60 Minutes
5. Find a mentor who is willing to develop a meaningful relationship with you
4. Always keep your cool, and have a sense of humor
3. Never burn a bridge; be respectful; stay professional – you never know who you may run into again because it’s a networked world
2. The truth always finds its way out, but sometimes you have to help it a bit
1. This, too, shall pass, and the sun will come up tomorrow

Mark your calendar – today – for the upcoming Burleigh Media Ethics lecture, featuring Lisa Ling, investigative journalist, television personality, and humanitarian. She visits Marquette April 6th.  For more information, check out the college’s calendar.

As students, faculty, and staff who are challenged to exemplify Marquette’s pillars of excellence, faith, leadership, and service, I encourage you to continue to challenge yourself and remain intellectually curious by attending the opportunities our College of Communication offers.

Courtney M. Sampson is a senior studying corporate communication at Marquette University. She currently interns for Marquette University’s Office of Marketing and Communication. To continue the virtual conversation, please feel free to comment on the blog post, follow Courtney on Twitter @CourtneySampson, become her friend on Facebook, and connect on LinkedIn.