David Askay

What are your greatest memories of OS?

I value the relationships I developed with literally all of the OS faculty and other graduate students. I still appreciate the staggering effort that Dr. Rogelberg went through to help students accomplish their goals—he is the inspiring embodiment of servant leadership. I am also thankful to have witnessed Dr. Gossett delivering one of the NCA Legislative Assembly Meeting Minutes to the Organizational Communication Division. Despite returning home to California, I miss the vast opportunities for nature, breweries, and food that Charlotte and North Carolina offers.

In reflecting back, what are the top three things you are taking away from the program?

• Specialized knowledge in an area that I am passionate about to the point that it keeps me up at night (mostly in a good way).
• Faculty in four departments that are rooting for my success and will still make time to help me.
• Five of the most transformative years of my life.

What advice do you have for new students on how to succeed in graduate school?

Get over the impostor syndrome as quickly as you can. Seek out constructive criticism. Make time for exercise and enjoyment of life. Find the topics that you are truly passionate about.

What job search tips do you have for current students?

This is a useful website: http://academicjobs.wikia.com/wiki/Academic_Jobs_Wiki. However, avoid obsessively reading it every day for updates on the jobs you applied for.

What about for preparation for going on the job market?

Start early—it is a full time job searching for and applying to jobs. Contact references early and inquire how you can make their lives easier when they write a recommendation for you. Be able to articulate how you fit within your discipline.