Well, sort of. A colleague of mine (Brian Naughton … also an actor. You may have caught him on Homicide or The West Wing ) had invited me to be one of 50 selected professionals to speak with college students attending the convention (which was held this year in Crystal City, Virginia).

We sat in twos at big round tables. Students would spend about 10 or 15 minutes at each table, alternating for about 2 or 3 hours. It was a whirlwind, and very exciting. To sit with folks who are just starting their careers put me back to when I was just starting out professionally, and all the energy and optimism and (for me) grandiose dreams of excessive success!

Our job was to answer questions thye had about starting out and briefly tell them what we’ve learned along the way. All the students I talked to were very polite, professional, energetic and genuinely grateful for the opportunity.

I was glad to have the chance to give back. So many people have helped me along the way in my career. It’s a continuation of one big circle that we all help to keep moving.

Terry Adams, VP for Alumni and Professional Services at NBS-AERho, had this to say afterwards in a special thank you e-mail:

The students loved it. The Career Focus session was a definite highlight for them. For some (the seniors) it was an opportunity to show resumes and network. For others (the underclassmen) it was an eye-opening experience that taught them things about the electronic media that don’t come through in the classroom. Comments I’ve gotten from students include:

“I felt so important…I mean, all of these executives came here just to talk to us!”

“Wow, you know, I keep hearing about what a cutthroat world it is working in TV, but I had no idea broadcasters were so NICE.”

“I had no idea there were so many radio options. I never really thought about radio, but that session has me thinking about it now.”

“Oh my God…there is SO much out there…how am I going to figure out where to go next???”

And my personal favorite, overheard from a girl talking on her cell phone in the lobby area after the session, “MOM!!! You will NEVER guess who I was just sitting at a table with!”

My tablemate was a wonderful lady named Dackeyia Sterling, who is best known for publishing the entertainment directory Entertainment Power Players. She’s a wonderful energy about her, a beautiful light, a go-out-and-get-it attitude, and a smile that brightens up a room.

Overall, today was pretty darn good. Special thanks to Brian Naughton and Terry Adams for asking me to participate!

~Steven