2008 Woodie Awards
Goodbye and good luck
Melinda Christensen
Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: News
The last issue of the Bengal for this school session is upon us, and it has been a remarkable year for me. I can't speak for my staff, but I am assured that we have all learned volumes.
It is my hope, as Editor in Chief, that I will leave the newspaper in a better condition than I found it. I have witnessed many improvements in myself, my staff and subsequently in the newspaper. This has been the most trying, stressful and rewarding two semesters of my professional and academic career, and I have gleaned vast amounts of knowledge.
I would like to share some of the invaluable wisdom that has been thrust upon me throughout these two semesters. Before taking a job, especially a management position, conduct some research. I recommend finding out (in detail) exactly what you are inheriting. Learn the financial standing and aspects of the business you intend on joining. Secure a thorough job description, talk to your future co-workers and if possible the person(s) that previously held the position.
I have also discovered the importance of asking questions. While questions can expose a level of ignorance, asking questions is the best method for overcoming that ignorance. Occasionally, prefacing a question with a for instance scenario can overcome an embarrassment. For example, "When I was the ad designer for the Bengal we maintained a folder system to track accounts and ad content, do you have a similar system?"
This may sound trite, but I am a firm believer in treating people as you want to be treated. I believe striving to be respectful and fair with my staff is the reason my staff is forgiving, understanding and hard working. I have also found that no matter how miserable the job gets, if you maintain enjoyable relationships with co-workers the hours pass faster.
If I had not had the pleasure of working with so many dedicated and wonderful students, staff and faculty, there is a good chance the newspaper would have ended in March. Thank you!
I would also like to thank all of our readers.
I am looking forward to next semester, the new opportunities, new staff and new direction for the Bengal. I am anticipating many positive changes.
Thank you,
Melinda Christensen
Editor in Chief
It is my hope, as Editor in Chief, that I will leave the newspaper in a better condition than I found it. I have witnessed many improvements in myself, my staff and subsequently in the newspaper. This has been the most trying, stressful and rewarding two semesters of my professional and academic career, and I have gleaned vast amounts of knowledge.
I would like to share some of the invaluable wisdom that has been thrust upon me throughout these two semesters. Before taking a job, especially a management position, conduct some research. I recommend finding out (in detail) exactly what you are inheriting. Learn the financial standing and aspects of the business you intend on joining. Secure a thorough job description, talk to your future co-workers and if possible the person(s) that previously held the position.
I have also discovered the importance of asking questions. While questions can expose a level of ignorance, asking questions is the best method for overcoming that ignorance. Occasionally, prefacing a question with a for instance scenario can overcome an embarrassment. For example, "When I was the ad designer for the Bengal we maintained a folder system to track accounts and ad content, do you have a similar system?"
This may sound trite, but I am a firm believer in treating people as you want to be treated. I believe striving to be respectful and fair with my staff is the reason my staff is forgiving, understanding and hard working. I have also found that no matter how miserable the job gets, if you maintain enjoyable relationships with co-workers the hours pass faster.
If I had not had the pleasure of working with so many dedicated and wonderful students, staff and faculty, there is a good chance the newspaper would have ended in March. Thank you!
I would also like to thank all of our readers.
I am looking forward to next semester, the new opportunities, new staff and new direction for the Bengal. I am anticipating many positive changes.
Thank you,
Melinda Christensen
Editor in Chief
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