COM Week—a four-decade long tradition in the School of Communication—is just days away. And this year, all participants are guaranteed to level up their professional networks and skillsets.
“COM Week is all about our students,” said Tom Lamonica, director of field experiences in the School of Communication (SoC). “Our hope is that they hear something from a speaker or panelist that inspires them to make a contact, get an internship, or investigate a career they hadn’t considered before.”
Connections build careers, and COM Week builds connections.
“COM Week is one of the most important traditions in the School of Communication. It provides an opportunity for current students to interact with outstanding alumni who serve as models for the ways you can excel in multiple work contexts with a communication degree,” said Dr. Stephen Hunt, director of the School of Communication.
With the encouragement and supervision of faculty and staff, student interns from the School of Communication, plan, organize, promote, and execute COM Week each spring term to give students a chance to explore their interests and expand their knowledge of communication. Since 2008, COM Week has become the largest and best-attended professional development week for students on Illinois State University’s campus.
And this year will be no different.
Monday, April 10
9 a.m.—Keynote Eric Hoss: Join ISU alum and director at State Farm Eric Hoss, as he inspires students to enhance their interview skills.
10 a.m.—Level Up Your Relationships: Public relations is rooted in the long-lasting relationships a person makes in a career. Panelists will give insight on the impact of building solid relationships with individuals and the public.
11 a.m.—Level Up Your Early Career: Recent School of Communication alumni will talk about the confidence, knowledge, and experience they gathered before crossing the Illinois State graduation stage has prepared them for early career success.
12 p.m.—Explore the World of Nonprofit Communication: Civic engagement depends on communicators. Panelists will speak on combining their passion with professionalism for productive results.
1 p.m.—Social Media and Mental Health: Is social media bullying you? Open up and speak up! This safe space discussion promotes mental health through storytelling.
6 p.m.—Mocktails: The Student Alumni Council, Association for Women in Communications, and SOCPD invite you to a special event that will feature a panel of Illinois State alumni discussing the importance of networking and continuing professional development.
Tuesday, April 11
9 a.m.—Keynote Alicia Bettes: Let Peabody Award winner and Emmy-nominated broadcast journalist Alicia Bettes inspire you with her keynote, “Level Up Your Career: Why You Need a Mentor.”
10 a.m.—Grad Panel: Current Illinois State graduate students will talk about the benefits—and challenges—of getting a master’s degree.
11 a.m.—Build Your Brand: Learn to establish yourself in your dream career industry while creating your own personal brand with some of Illinois State’s finest in recruitment and networking.
12:35 p.m.—Social Media: Social or Professional? Social media is supposed to be fun, but is that post what your future boss should see? Learn how to find a balance from experts who know how to navigate the differences between social and professional.
2 p.m.—Outside the Box: Never thought you could do something totally out of the ordinary and beyond? Innovate, create, and learn as panelists discuss their career, entrepreneurial paths, and how they found careers “outside the box.”
3:35 p.m.—Follow the Story: Discuss developing stories for broadcast news, sports, and other media with a panel of compelling storytellers.
5 p.m.—Sports Creative Panel: Learn from a panel of sports visionaries about various growing career opportunities in sports.
Wednesday, April 12
9 a.m.—Keynote Micah Vetter: Join Micah Vetter, brand designer and owner of Vetter Design Co., as she shatters the idea of limiting beliefs and talks about how to create your own career path.
10 a.m.—Could You Be a COM Major? COM majors do everything. Explore where your future might be as a COM major with the help of current students.
11 a.m.—Level Up with Professionals in Media Sales and Management: This panel will share insight into media established careers and answers student questions.
12 p.m.—Level Up with Recent Grad Birds Making It Work: This panel will feature recent School of Communication graduates who will speak about their experiences in the job market and in their current roles.
12 p.m.—Social Media Conference: University Marketing and Communication’s ninth annual #RedirdProud Social Media Awards and Workshop will recognize the best uses of social media on Illinois State’s campus and offer faculty, staff, and student presentations on social media and online marketing.
2 p.m.—WZND Signature Station Banner Dropping Ceremony: Join WZND as the radio station celebrates its first-place win for the fourth time as the Broadcast Education Association’s “Station of the Year.”
5 p.m.—Level Up Your Broadcast Likeness: Your phone is buzzing … time to wake up! Don’t you wish there was a better way to rise and shine? WZND alumni Greg Dwyer and Bill Michaels have it. For more than 20 years, they have been the “go-to” wake-up guys at 97X radio in the Quad Cities with laughs, rock music, and information. See why Dwyer and Michaels are a better morning buzz than your phone.
Thursday, April 13
9 a.m.—Interview Workshop with Eric Hoss: Gain hands-on professional experience through 15-minute mock interviews with Eric Hoss, author of Removing Doubt in an Interview: A Better Approach to Getting the Job You Want.
10 a.m.—Level Up Your Communication in Fashion and Beauty: Learn from a panel of industry professionals about the importance of breaking gender norms, enhancing authenticity, and increasing diversity within the fashion and beauty business.
Friday, April 14
10 a.m.—Sports Communication Panel: Explore opportunities with professionals and scholars.
3 p.m.—The Man Behind the Comics: Alex Simmons is an award-winning freelance writer of plays, books, and comics. He is the creator of the acclaimed adventure comic book series Blackjack and the founder of Kids Comic Con.
In the School of Communication, we provide an opportunity for students to learn more about their career options and help educate students on the importance of professional development. COM Week also gives students a chance to be proactive and utilize abundant networking opportunities.
“A great example is Greg Dwyer and Bill Michaels—SoC alums and ISU Broadcast Hall of Famers who have been waking people up on radio for more than 30 years with a creative mix of information and comedy,” added Lamonica. “Their daily schedules are tight, but they make the campus visit work, and look forward to connecting with today’s students. And, of course, making us all laugh.”
For a full list of all COM Week events, locations, moderators, and panelists, visit the COM Week website and follow us on Instagram and TikTok for daily photos, videos, and interactive stories!
