The Loveliest Village

Last week I attended the Media InForum at the Jule Collins Smith Museum.  The event was by far the most interesting occurrence I have seen since entering the college of liberal arts.  Many of my friends are in the college of business, and I was envious of all the opportunities they have pushed their way to help with the transition of starting a career.  Finally, I felt as though a step was made for the students in our department. 

Auburn Alum Michael Young, ’74, hosted the event. “The goal of the Media InForum,” Young says, “is to provide current students with advice and contacts within the communications industry - print, television, radio, film, theatre, advertising, etc., and to offer an opportunity where media professionals interact with students to provide inspiration, define possibilities, and advance networking opportunities.”

The presenters consisted of Marc Summers who is a producer and host of the behind-the-scenes details on classic American food show “Unwrapped” on the Food Network, Tony Blake is a Primetime writer and executive producer, Kathy Armistead is a music agent, Kay Fuston is Editor and Vice President of Coastal Living Magazine, Matt Crisci is a former managing partner of a major advertising company in New York. 

It was very exciting to listen to the stories and accomplishments of these men and women.  Each worked very hard and for many years to get to where they are now.  Out of all the presenters, Summers seemed to love the microphone the most.  He a comment to every story told and a solution of every question from the crowd. 

Blake as well as Summers had somewhat of a boastful tone when speaking about all the projects he has worked on.  He came off as feisty and very knowledgeable about making it in Hollywood business using unconventional tricks.  At one point, he and Summers teamed up to answer a question from a girl in the crowd.  She asked how she was going to get and internship when so many agencies required their interns to receive school credit, but her major didn’t require an internship in order to graduate.  Instantly the two came up with a solution: lie.  “If you want to get anywhere in this business, lie.  Lie, lie, lie,� Blake said.

Summers and Blake were probably the two most entertaining presenters, but Michael Young is who caught my eye.  He had a distinguished, handsome look that made him stand out from the other men.  He is definitely a hard worker but seemed more genuine and authentic.  He said that he hired people based on what they show him they can do.  My major fear right now is that I will never get a job because no one will give me a chance.  However, Young appeared to be the type of person to give people a chance and that gave me hope that maybe there are other hirers like him.

The presenters took time to answer everyone’s questions in a candid and encouraging manner.  I learned quite a bit about how things work in the career world of communications.  I hope that the communications department will begin to bring more opportunities like the one Young brought to Auburn students. 

Click to launch pop up and have the text portion read to you.