3 minute read

The Connections We Create

Whenever I am asked why I chose a career in communications, I jokingly answer that I have always loved talking. No. But, really. That’s how I discovered my passion for working in the communication industry.

For my final paper in my Strategic Communication course my senior year of college, we had to interview someone who worked in the communication industry. I chose NorthWestern Energy’s Community Relations Manager Tom Glanzer who is a family friend.

I knew Tom personally, but I knew very little about his work at NorthWestern Energy. While interviewing Tom about his work, I realized how alike we are. Tom mentioned in high school, his English teacher commented that he was socially gifted.

“Which means I probably talk too much,” Tom said. “It’s one of those things that you probably don’t get a pat on the back for until later on in life when you’re able to translate that into your career.”

Similar to Tom, I was told by one of my English teachers that I was a “social butterfly,” but I don’t recall that it was intended as a compliment.

When I was younger, I took the comment more negatively, but now I see how my love of talking is actually a strength. The “social butterfly” in me has helped me naturally have confidence in communicating throughout my life and professional career.

The interview with Tom brought me to this internship, which has been a great opportunity to learn the behind the scenes of operating NorthWestern’s Creative Services department.

In college, you take the courses and learn as much as possible. It isn’t until you apply that knowledge in the real world that true learning begins. In the first month of my internship, I directly applied the knowledge from a previous course toward a video editing project and was able to further enhance my skills and confidence.

Angie Christiansen, Alissa Byrd and Tom Glanzer play a game at the state fair during a photo shoot that Alissa spearheaded.

Adaptability is a crucial strength to have in life. While volunteering for NorthWestern Energy at the state fair this year, I was entrusted with executing a photo shoot for this same magazine issue you are reading. The idea for the photo shoot came at the last minute, so I had to be adaptable to make it happen. The photographer, Derek Baune, was phenomenal, and everything turned out perfectly. We captured the majority of the shots in 20 minutes. One of those photos happens to be this magazine’s cover photo. Communication is so much more than just simply talking. The impact of your message is what someone remembers. A vast amount of creativity and thought process goes into every single communication piece. It’s like a puzzle to me, and I enjoy putting the puzzle together piece by piece.

My advice to all young 20-somethings is to never be afraid to be who you are. Sometimes that very thing someone else views as “different” might be your greatest strength. Apply yourself and show the world what you have to offer. Apply for that job you’ve been eyeing. Apply for that internship you’re interested in. Network with everyone you meet, and more than anything, gain as much experience as possible along the way. We all start somewhere and your dreams are always achievable, but first, you have to believe in yourself enough to chase them.

This article is from: