From the classroom to the real world, former publications students spoke with the newspaper staff at a press conference to share advice on Dec. 19.

“It definitely helps to know how to write,” alumni Christina Venditti said. “Whether you’re in biology, English class or Spanish class, you’re always going to need to know how to write and journalism definitely helps.”

The speakers, ranging from recent grads to those with internships and professional careers, also stressed the importance of: deadlines, internships, accountability and communication involved in the workplace.

“I thought it was really interesting to see where they came from and where they are now,” sophomore staff writer Linsley Snider said. “I thought their advice was very influential, because they connected the things that we are doing right now.”

Alumni spoke about their traditional jobs in journalism such as writing and designing, while others told how their work took them down paths in radio, marketing, public relations and business.

“It opened up students’ eyes to the opportunities that are available to them in a journalism related career,” publications adviser Erica Kincannon said. “Also, I hope that it showed them how taking a journalism class could be beneficial to their career, whether they’re going into journalism or not.”