Women talk about careers

The Tallahassee student chapter of the Association for Women in Communications, sponsored a student to professional meet and greet function. The meeting took place Wednesday evening at Beef O’ Brady’s from 5:30 to 7:30p.m.

Several young ladies and one young man gathered from Florida A&M and Florida State Universities, as well as Tallahassee Community College to discuss issues related to journalism and communications. There were at least 25 students and 14 professional women in attendance, each from varying careers, but all tied to the communications field.

The first question of the evening was asked by the AWC chapter representative, Veronica Raymond, a senior broadcast student from Miami.

“The national average salary for communications is about $30,000,” Raymond said. “How realistic is that in this community?”

Two of the women in particular agreed that $30, 000 was an accurate figure.

“It’s very realistic,” said Lynn Hatter, reporter for Florida Public Radio, WFSU. “I make a little over $23,000 a year at my job.

When in this industry you work because you’re driven and passionate about what you’re doing.”

Ceeka Rose Green, a Communications Director for Florida Housing Finance Corporation, said she has come a long way over the few years.

“In 1991, I was making $15,000, and I thought I was rich,” Green said. “I’m a firm believer in doing what you want to do and if you believe in it, then the money will come. I did what I did because I loved what I was doing and now I make over triple what I made then.”

Other women on the professional panel had the opportunity to add their input. Lisa Cashulette, from the Florida Commerce Credit Union, made sure to tell students the importance of having good credit.

“Your credit is very important,” Cashulette said. “Employers look at your credit when considering you for hire. I know I’ve had to turn some people away.”

While Cashulette emphasized the importance of good credit, Florence Snyder stressed the importance of being discreet online.

“Also remember whatever you put on Facebook or MySpace will follow you,” said Snyder, a first amendment attorney and former judge. “Employers check all of that and even if you can take it down, it never goes away.

There was one freelancer at the session who made sure to highlight the side of freelance that is not known.

“I decided to do freelance because I wanted to stay at home with my son, and I don’t regret it,” said Brenda Grindstaff, a freelance reporter and public relations consultant. “But the disadvantage is not always knowing what you’re paycheck is going to be, lack of healthcare, and there’s no technical staff at home like there is at a corporation.”

The AWC will be having a resume and interviewing workshop on Oct.15 at the Leroy Collins Public Library from 6 to 8 p.m..