JMC Alumni Spotlight: René Shimada Siegel

• What was your major and how did you select it? Did anything influence your decision?

  • I originally applied to San José State as a Chemical Engineering Major, but freshman year some friends talked me into entering a cultural pageant for the Japanese-American community of Northern California. To my great shock and surprise, I won and spent a year traveling and promoting corporations, non-profit causes, the City of San Francisco, and other civic organizations. When my reign ended, I returned to San José State University, but working in a computer or chemistry lab for the rest of my life didn't sound enticing. That's when I changed my major to public relations.

• Did you enjoy your time, while in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications? How was it interacting with peers and professors, while enrolled at San José State University?

  • Yes, I enjoyed studying Public Relations in Dwight Bentel Hall. My favorite professor was Dr. Bill Briggs and he was the one who helped me discover my passion for PR and writing. I also learned a ton about the profession from Dr. Dennis Wilcox and enjoyed being an officer of PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America). It was so much fun working with the other officers. We're still in touch and one even has become a client. You never know how your career will be touched by classmates!

• What was your first job after graduating from San José State University? What career did you pursue and why?

  • During my senior year, I applied to a networking startup called Sytek for a job that requested 3-5 years of marketing or communications experience. I found the job for a class assignment, to make sure we knew how to do resumes and cover letters. But I was the only student who sent my info to the company. With only a summer internship on my resume, they hired me part-time during my senior year, and full-time as soon as I graduated. That was the first of many jobs I held in the computer networking and wireless technology space.

• What is your advice for graduating students from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at San José State University?

  • More than anything, your career as a professional communicator is defined by integrity and reputation. Work hard and be trustworthy. Try a lot of different things and learn as much as you can. Volunteer to do the work nobody else wants to do. Even crummy jobs are valuable because they teach you what you don't want to do. People work with people they like, so honor your colleagues and generously collaborate, so the entire team wins together.

• What is your advice for prospective students interested in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at San José State University?

  • This is a tremendously diverse and empowering school that will prepare you for a competitive career. Professors genuinely want you to be successful, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to meet alumni and potential employers. Get involved in student organizations and take advantage of the internship and international study opportunities. You never know how these experiences will open doors and shape your career!