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Heidi Hueseman, BJ '03

Your Educational Foundation
My education has been helpful in a lot of ways, especially since I changed positions in my company a few times. As an assistant editor, I drew upon my writing and editing classes and the experience I gained working on Vox. In my marketing role, I used more of my online and design program skills to create promotions, brochures, etc. Now that I've moved into a sales role, I will be using some of the skills I gained in my advertising electives. More than anything, however, I think the J-School helped me be realistic about what I can achieve in my career and what it takes to get there. The professors offered practical advice and helped me create a strong resume, put together a portfolio, learn interview skills and network.

The Job Search
Getting started with the job search is hard because you don't know what questions to ask, what to bring to an interview, etc. But I think networking is the way to go. Find someone you know and trust to help you tailor your resume for the career you want. A mentor or older professional will know what hiring managers are looking for. And tell everyone you know what you want to do and that you're looking for a job. Networking is the best thing to do!

Selecting the Company
I've been at the same company since I graduated college. I started out as an intern and was hired into the company. It's interesting because I didn't want to work in trade publishing. I wanted to move to New York, but things happen for a reason and now I love my company and the people I work with. The company moved me to Chicago and helped me learn what business-to-business publishing is really about. At the time, I thought I wanted to be in editorial, but after having some real-word experience, I learned that I'm better suited for a sales/marketing role. I think I'm in a good place right now -- making contacts, learning about myself, developing skills, etc. But I'm also in Chicago, a great publishing city with a lot of really good companies to work at if I want to advance my career in another way.

Changing Positions
I wanted to try sales because at a business-to-business publisher, the marketing aspect is a lot of sales support. The sales people are the ones in the marketplace, dictating what the market is doing and what the promotions should look like, as well as developing relationships with the customer. I want to be in that role so I can use my personality, organizational skills and help dictate the future market share and strengths of the products I work on.

Starting Your Job
The first few weeks and months are hard. I remember wanting to take naps, feeling overworked and underpaid, feeling like I was lost in this highly specific trade world of publishing. But, I asked a lot of questions, worked hard and was aggressive. It's important to remember that your boss will never hand you anything. You have to ask for it. I thought if I worked hard I'd get an "A" (a.k.a., the salary I wanted, the office I wanted, etc.) but in business you have to prove yourself, pay your dues as the youngest employee and network to make yourself stand out among your peers. I enjoy working at my company and in my new job because of all the opportunities, my co-workers and now that I'm in sales, the ability to be paid on my performance. The job I do is reflected in the commissions I make. My motivation and drive to sell is what advances me in my role as a sales associate.

Making the Short List
I've asked my employer what they look for when they interview. They look for bright, ambitious, capable adults. They want people who are driven and looking to advance in the company. They want people who are hard workers and want to succeed. You don't have to be a suck-up, just work hard and prove that you can take on responsibility and be trusted. There will always be happy hours and after-parties with work colleagues, but being an "adult" means staying in control, being responsible for yourself, and remembering that you represent your company whether you're at a bar after five entertaining clients or not.

Reality Check
Yes, being in trade journalism is different than what I studied at the J-School. I never realized how much b-to-b editors work with the sales people. There is no separation of church and state like I learned. It's much more integrated as people work together to sell the product, market it to readers and advertisers. There is a lot of brainstorming going on.

Transitioning from College to the Real World
It's great! You make money, you determine your success, and it's what you make of it. I am constantly getting involved at work like I did in college. I enjoy being part of our sports teams, volunteer nights, and organizing our days of summer. I think you have to carve your place in the office much like we did in college. In the real world though, you're always looking out for yourself. It's hard to not feel alone and like no one cares -- but developing relationships with your boss and co-workers, and leaning on your friends who are going through the same thing helps.

Being Successful
I think being polite, energetic, personable, organized and ambitious are important qualities in a young employee. Now that I'm in sales, I know that selling is more personality-based than anything. Every day is different because I'm dealing with people, and no one is the same. I ask my clients what they are looking to do to grow their business, and then offer them (sell them) on what my publication can do for them. It's great to feel that I'm helping someone reach their customers or brand their product. I think students entering the field should be inquisitive. Ask to take classes, attend industry conferences and seminars or be the liaisons to association meetings. Taking an active approach to your job will make you stand out, help you learn and make it more fun ultimately because your job takes up 40+ hours of your time. Don't you want to enjoy it and feel invested in it?!