Speaker encourages technological know-how for future

by Adam Greenberg assistant a&e editor

Technological advancements have globalized the economy, requiring a firm grasp on cutting-edge services in order to succeed in the communications industry.

Jeanmarie Kan@, public relations director for AT&T business and Internet services, spoke to students as part of the career development program for English and communication majors on Thursday, March 18 in the Widener Center.

She emphasized how important the online universe has become during these last few years and how it will affect the future.

"We're not going back after this," Kanter said after presenting staggering statistics on the surge of Internet and e-mail use.

She pointed out that the Internet bas provided worldwide access for all businesses. By establishing a site on the Web, a business instantly becomes global.

''The Internet is becoming the way that business happens," she said. "Everyone's online."

As evidence of the Internet's massive po- tential, Kanter cited the release of the Starr report online.

This provided instant access to the document, and also proved that the Internet could handle the stress of so many people logging on at one time, according to Kanter.

She also showed statistics on the speed of adoption for different technologies such as the cell phone and the pager.

The statistics indicated that the Internet took the least amount of years to be accepted by the mainstream public.

Kanter stressed that because of all of the new technology, everything has changed in the last three years, and will most likely continue to change rapidly.

To stay in tune with new developments, Kanter also advised students to attend a trade show, where industries converge to present their latest wares.

When talking specifically about her experience in public relations, Kanter spoke enthusiastically and focused on the importance of contact and influence.

Demonstrating the availability that her job requires, Kanter pulled out her cell phone, pager and even a walkie-talkie, which was met with laughter from the audience.

The issue of influence was also discussed by Kanter.

She said that in public relations, it is important to pay attention to certain audiences, such as critics of industry and other influential parties.

Trade publications were also mentioned as a major source for public relations.

Prime skills that Kanter said are necessary for a career in communications are problem solving, creativity and the ability to write well.

"Communications is a great, great profession," she said. "Pick something that you're going to enjoy."

When the speech concluded, stuffed animals embossed with the AT&T logo were handed out to people as they left.

Junior Bill Price said that he was influenced by the presentation, though not in the positive way that many other students had been.

"Now I know what I don't want to do," Price said.