Communication Seminar a Hit

     The Association of Students in Communication (ASC) presented the Seventh Annual Degrees of Communication Seminar last Saturday, April 25.  About 200 people attended the seminar which was held at the College of Southern Nevada's (CSN) Charleston campus in the Ralph and Betty Engelstad School of Health Sciences "K" building room 101.

     The purpose of the event was to inform current and future students of all the opportunities a degree in communication or journalism/media studies can offer.

     James, McCoy, department of communication chairperson, explained the benefits of pursuing a degree in communication.  He emphasized that a degree in communication is, "more than public speaking."  He also explained that communication skills were an important part of everyday life.

     Throughout the entire seminar, advice was given to future communication and journalism majors.  The main topic discussed by all the panels was the importance of networking.

     Ty Sante, senior producer, director and creative director of MIX 94.1 and 100.5 JACK FM, told the students no matter how hard you work for your degree, you still have to network with people in the business to get anywhere.  "Networking is the key.  It's not what you know, it's who you know, " he said.

     One thing that future graduates with communication and journalism degrees must learn is how to not take rejection so personally.  Not everyone will think that you are the next best thing and your ego will definitely get bruised.  "You must have a tough skin in this industry," said Alan Stock, a local talk radio host.

     Chris Saldana, KLAS Ch. 8 weekend anchor and reporter, talked about his experiences being in television.  He mentioned that students will have to do continuous hard work throughout their whole careers.  As a member of Las Vegas' minority population, Saldana made it a point to give minority students in the audience some advice.  "Being that you are a minority, you should know that you will have to work harder to get your foot in the door," he said.

     The seminar's first panel covered the field of radio.  Members of this panel included local talk radio host Alan Stock, Senior Producer, Director and Creative Director of Mix 94.1 and 100.5 Jack FM Ty Sante, jazz radio program hosts Ric and Jackie Gould, and Lotus Broadcasting's DeAnne Sheehan.

     The day's second panel covered the field of television.  KLAS Ch. 8 Weekend News Anchor and Reporter Chris Saldana spoke first.  He was followed by Sinclair Broadcasting Group Regional Promotion Supervisor Eric Dahl and KVBC Ch. 3 Anchor and Reporter Gerard Ramalho.  Finally, Vegas PBS Ch. 10 General Manager Tom Axtell, one of the seminar's featured speakers, discussed television broadcasting and how Ch. 10's new building is environmentally friendly.

     The seminar's final panel covered the field of public relations.  Members of this panel included Stacey Escalante from Orca Communications Unlimited and Charlene Carl, CSN marketing specialist.  Escalante told students about her experiences working for KVBC Ch. 3 and then her transition to public relations work.  This showed students how they can easily move into different fields with a communication degree.

     Breakfast for the event was provided by Einstein Bagels and Starbucks.  Lunch was provided by Pick Up Stix.

     The seminar also included a raffle, which featured prizes such as an IPod, Las Vegas Athletic Club passes, a Las Vegas getaway, Starbucks gift baskets and many other prizes.

     The Association of Students in Communication is the largest student-run organization at CSN.  The student group is led by President Maria Palapa, along with Vice-President Allysa Kinzler, Secretary Martha Hinjosa, and Maritza Flores, who is in charge of public relations.

     The CSN Department of Communication provides students with a foundation in communication theory and practice that prepares them with effective communication skills to enhance their academic, personal and professional lives. 

     For more information about ASC or the department of communication, please call 702-651-3550 or visit their website at www.csn.edu/communication.