Oglethorpe students listen intently.

With the OU campus already abuzz with Parents Weekend 2010, the stage was set for the inaugural Career Takeout Lunch and Learn, an alumni panel discussion about careers in English and Communications and Rhetoric Studies. Over 70 alumni, students, faculty and staff attended, a vivid conversation quickly began.

Oglethorpe students displayed their bright, inquisitive minds with relevant questions related to social media, internships, career options and the job application process. The experience of the alumni panelists was equally impressive. Top companies and organizations were represented, including Turner Broadcasting, Porter Novelli, Atlanta magazine, Neighbor Newspapers, Carter Center, and Oxford at UGA. Oglethorpe students heard from a State Representative candidate, a sports broadcaster, a creative services and public relations director, an executive in digital and social media, a managing editor and a producer–just to name a few.

OU alums offer insight into the many career options for English and Communications and Rhetoric Studies majors

Some of the advice doled out? Dress appropriately, be flexible and versatile for job opportunities outside of Atlanta, appreciate small company experience as just as vital as with a large company, be adaptable in a volatile economy and be careful what you make public on Facebook!

As the event concluded, networking was at its peak. Students rushed to the alumni panelists and business cards were handed out like free food samples to eager students–as well as swapped among the alums.