Media Relations Director In Dallas Pursues An Advanced Degree In Order To Earn More
Growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, Ann Hatch's parents always talked about when she would go to college, not if she would go to college. She was an avid reader and enjoyed writing.
Hatch, who now serves as district director of media relations at the Dallas County Community College District, has helped educate many budding journalists through providing opportunities for them to ask questions at district press conferences.
Looking back, she reflects on how her career path started with a stint on the student yearbook. She signed on for the student newspaper, and "found my place in the writing world," said Hatch.
Her love for print carried over to college. "I majored in communications so I could learn how to write many different ways, to mix in advertising and marketing, to plan a political campaign and, finally, to write for a newspaper."
She became the editor of the student paper and was an intern at The Alabama Journal. While planning her career in journalism, she was approached by the director of the university relations at Auburn University in Montgomery (AUM). Very impressed with her work on the school paper, they wanted to hire her to write news for the university. "I made the switch to media relations and never looked back."
"Working for a public university also means understanding how it's funded, how state government affects the rules and regulations that higher public education must follow, and how I could communicate more efficiently and effectively – perhaps adding governmental relations to my skills set."
"However, looking forward, I knew I could improve my chances to earn and learn with a master's degree."
"Although AUM didn't offer a master's degree in either communications or public relations at that time, I considered what I could study that would complement and enhance my undergraduate degree." She decided to pursue a master's degree in political science.
"Understanding the politics of higher education has helped me become a better communicator with valuable skills and knowledge to help me do my job better. The challenges continue as funding lessens, politics exert an even greater influence, and changing economic times demand more educated students – the people I need to reach through public relations communications. Combining communications at the undergraduate level with political science at the graduate level has helped me build an exciting and stronger career in public higher education."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and
enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com