3/3/09

ATHENS, Ohio - Twenty-three alumni returned to the Ohio University main campus in Athens to share their knowledge and experiences with more than 80 journalism seniors during the seventh annual Senior Saturday on Feb. 28.

“When I was a senior, I had no clue what I was doing,” said Chuck Bowen, BSJ ’04, freelance writer and assistant editor at GIE media. “I’ve been in the workforce for four years now, so I thought anything I could come back and share would be useful.”

Senior Saturday was established by Associate Professor Mary Rogus after she found that her and her colleagues spent the majority of spring quarter assisting seniors with their rèsumès and portfolios. Recently, the school’s Society of Alumni and Friends (SAF) has taken over hosting the event.

“I think, in the current economic climate, it’s more important than ever that our students who have great skills and experience know how to sell that to the few employers who are hiring,” said Rogus, who teaches broadcast journalism and oversees Athens MidDay.

Students who attended the event were provided information about the job hunting process and how to compete in today’s economic climate. A keynote speaker, panels dealing with specific sequences and rèsumè and portfolio critiques rounded out the day’s events.

“[Senior Saturday] has helped me feel more confident about getting my foot into the door without the door shutting on my foot,” said magazine major Melanie Barnes. “I feel like I also learned some tools to try and get back in if the door does get closed.”

Ernest Hayes, director of human resources for the E.W. Scripps Company, delivered a powerful keynote to the seniors that covered the basics to finding a job. He shared that although the numbers may be going down, opportunities still exist for employment. Hayes reminded seniors to follow what they are passionate about and to never stop growing, learning and thinking.

Hayes felt it was important for him to attend the event. “Today is a unique opportunity to meet with exciting talented people who are looking to get their foot into the real world,” said Hayes. “If I can give back and share some skills, I’ve done what I needed to do.”

Public relations major Sarah Price appreciated advice from recent alumni.

“I thought the Q & A with recent graduates was beneficial. They remember what it’s like to be where we are right now, and their advice was really helpful,” said Price.

In addition to organizing Senior Saturday, SAF members compile a networking guide for students and alumni, host a blog with industry news, and are in the process of establishing a scholarship.

For information about the Society of Alumni and Friends, visit www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/OUL/cpages/home.jsp?chapter=2&o.
-    Kristen Rapin