Communication Department to hold symposium, exposing students to jobs in the field

The Communication Department will host a symposium in the Edward Meese Conference room with professionals and public policy experts talking about jobs in the communication field. (Jake McLernon)

The Insight Committee of George Mason University’s Communication Department will be holding a Communication Symposium on Wednesay, Oct. 26, in Mason Hall to help students get a better look at the types of jobs offered in the Communication field.

According to Professor of Communication Michael Dickerson, the Insight Committee is a group of specialists from around the country that meet four times a year to work on projects that help Mason Communication graduates transition into their first job and beyond.

Suzanne Mimms, a graduate student working on the symposium, said the Committee serves as a link between the Communication department and the public relations profession that help the department stay informed on current issues and trends.

President Merten and Chairman of The Insight Committee, Tom Hoog, will open the symposium followed by a panel of experts.

The keynote speaker is Gallup CEO, Jim Clifton.

“Mr. Clifton is eminently qualified to provide students with an overview of the employment market as it stands today and what they are facing as they prepare to enter the field of communication," said Mimms.

Peter McDermitt, Senior Associate at Heymen Associates Inc. and Cassandra Carr, Vice Chair of Talent, Hill, & Knowlton will also be speaking on the panel.

McDermitt and Carr will be speaking about the different areas of Communication, what is available and where. After the speakers, the floor will be open for questions and answers.

The symposium is “more than a job fair”, said Dickerson. It is designed to give students a strategy, direction, and focus for jobs.

The symposium is catered towards junior and senior students in the Communication Department but the event is open to all students.

The Communication Symposium will take place at Mason Hall in the Edwin Reese Conference Room from 7:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. and will include a small breakfast and lunch.

It is asked that students RSVP early via email with Lisa Cunningham at lcunnin1@gmu.edu as seating is limited.