Jordan Schmidt graduated from Chapman University in 2011 with a degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Philosophy. He now works in public relations and shares his advice as a hiring manager. Jordan focused on his passion and by doing so, he jump started his career in communication. If you would like to learn more about Jordan’s experience, you could connect with him further on LinkedIn.

Jordan Schmidt ’11

Where do you work and what is your job title?

I work at Gateway Group as the Managing Director of Public Relations.

What does your job entail?

I lead the PR practice and business unit for Gateway and build trust for clients through communications. I run authentic and comprehensive communication campaigns for clients including Media relations, owned communications, social/digital, and executive leadership visibility with the singular outcome of building trust in them and their brands.

What experience have you had and how has it prepared you for future jobs?

I interned at the office of a member of Congress. It was a great resume builder and gave me a good understanding of executive visibility and how communication works with the media.

What advice do you have for undergraduate students of recent graduates?

Figure out what you like doing, what your passion is. Once you’ve identified that, do it. There’s no better resume builder than showing that you care about the growth of your craft expertise and knowledge. As a hiring manager, a well-curated portfolio germane to the role impresses me much more than a great resume. Academic excellence is a great goal, but it should be your goal, not anyone else’s for you. Achieve what will make you qualified, and happy, for the roles you are seeking and execute against that, don’t study a topic or get a degree because someone else suggested you should. The more agency you exert on your path, the happier you’ll be with the outcome. I used video games as the foundation for every paper, story, etc during my degree, much to the chagrin of my family, and some professors, because gaming wasn’t the behemoth that it is today. I cared about it. I was passionate about communication in games, and I leveraged my passion and my work into a role in gaming which jump started my career in communication.

More concisely put, you are the best you. You know what is right for you. Find what you like and do it passionately.