Inspire, Summer 2011

Words of Wisdom by Sandi (Welch) Harner ’64 Many college students face their senior year with a great deal of anxiety. Not only are they concerned about capstone projects and final exams, but they also worry about résumés and interviews. As director of the technical and professional communication (TPC) program, I asked myself how I could help my senior TPC majors succeed as they prepare for the job search. The obvious answer? TPC alumni. Investing in Lives In the early ’90s, I invited several of my friends who worked in the technical communication profession to become part of my newly formed Industry Advisory Board. After getting their positive responses, I invited five of my TPC graduates to join the board. Over the years, board members have come and gone, but eager alumni have always been willing to fill the positions. As board members, they take an active part in the preparation of our TPC students. During fall semester, they conduct mock phone interviews. A few weeks later they come to campus to lead practice interviews. They also give specific feedback on students’ résumés, cover letters, and interviewing skills. During spring semester, board members come back to campus and conduct face-to-face portfolio reviews, evaluating both the hard-copy portfolios and the way students present them during an extended interview. “It’s a wonderful privilege to be a member of the TPC Industry Advisory Board,” said Scott Bennett ’96, who works in corporate communications at Procter & Gamble. “We have the rare opportunity to invest in the lives of today’s TPC students on a very personal level. One of my most pleasant surprises after graduation was realizing how well my TPC degree had prepared me for a successful writing career — despite my doubts and lack of confidence leading up to that day. Looking back, I wasted a lot of time worrying about how prepared I would be. Among the many reasons I enjoy coming back often to coach, mentor, and teach today’s TPC students about the profession, I most appreciate the opportunity to bolster their confidence and dispel their doubts. ‘Trust me,’ I say with confidence, ‘you will add tremendous value wherever you go.’ That’s the one thing I wish someone had told me.” “Among the many reasons I enjoy coming back often to coach, mentor, and teach today’s TPC students about the profession, I most appreciate the opportunity to bolster their confidence and dispel their doubts.” — Scott Bennett ’96, member of the TPC Industry Advisory Board 42 SUMMER 2011 facul ty voi ce