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Becky Rasmussen, BJ '02

What do you do?
Drake & Company is an association management company in Chesterfield, Mo. I work specifically on the NCTA account. I oversee publication of the American Christmas Tree Journal, our members' quarterly magazine, including writing, editing, ad sales and production, manage the publication of several other newsletters, assist with public relations projects and help maintain the Web site.

Best professional lesson learned at J-School?
I couldn't survive my daily job without the editing/grammar lessons drilled into us by Jennifer Moeller's editing class and the on-the-job practice at Vox. Professionally, the J-School taught me to always accept new challenges. I've come across many people in the workforce who box themselves into a job description and refuse to accept things that might be "below" them or outside their expertise. By just being open to these, I've earned more responsibility and gained more experience.

What do you consider to be your greatest professional achievements?
This is a difficult one...while still in college, I had the opportunity to travel to Iowa to cover the presidential caucuses for the Missourian. This was a great opportunity not many people have that early in their career. Before my current position, I served as managing editor of an agricultural magazine. I think my promotion to managing editor so early in my career has been a strong achievement.

What makes you good at your job?
Organization is key. I'm always working on several projects at once, so it's easy to get flustered. I have to have attention to detail, and I am always questioning things that go into the magazine. With a small staff, there is no one looking over my shoulder or checking my work, so if I miss something, it's very likely to appear in print. I've become a much better editor over the past year - it really is something that takes on-the-job practice. Also, being a quick learner and being willing to take on new things (even if I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing) has allowed me to really expand my job description.

What did you want to be as a kid?
Growing up, I wanted to be either a Rockette or a journalist. Obviously, the Rockette career didn't go too far...but I'm pleased to be working in my other dream field.

What is one thing you wish you had done?
I wish I hadn't been so anxious to be out in the "real world." While in college, I did take the time to study abroad for a semester in Denmark. If I had it all to do over again, I would have taken a year abroad.