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Where do you work?
I am the manager of professional development for United Space Alliance (USA) in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, USA is one of the world's leading space operations companies. Established in 1996 as a limited liability company, USA is equally owned by The Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin Corporation and employs people in Texas, Florida, Alabama, California, and the Washington, D.C. area. USA's work includes the Space Program Operations Contract with NASA and Orion Crew Vehicle Contract with Lockheed Martin.

What do you do?
As the manager of USA Professional Development, I am responsible for the leadership, employee development, and management training of more than 10,000 employees. All total, I have more than 15 years experience in the aerospace industry and have been an integral part of building USA's professional development program to include the rollout of the USA Leadership Institute, the integration of a comprehensive Leadership Development Plan, and the recent successful implementation of a company-wide employee engagement and retention program. In addition, I speak publicly on the topics of leadership, management and professional development. Most recently, I was a featured speaker for The Conference Board at the 2007 Employee Engagement and Retention Conference in San Diego, Calif., and New York City.

How did you get your job?
After graduating from MU, I moved to Florida where my grandparents have lived for more than 30 years. I got my foot in the door at the Kennedy Space Center through a family friend. I took the first job I could get at the Cape and then eventually moved into the public relations office, where I worked for many years before going into professional development.

What is the best professional lesson you learned at the J-School?
It can best be summed up by a comment from my father who said, "I still can't believe how successful you've been with a journalism degree." Bottom line, the J-School taught me how to be a great communicator and the art of making other people look good. There are so many people who don't communicate well, and the art of doing so can be an invaluable resource!

What advice do you have for current students?
Even if you choose not to pursue the traditional journalism profession in newspaper, television, advertising or others, fear not! The skills you learn at the J-School will serve you well in the real world and set you apart from others. Learn as much as you can about the art of making others look good, and you will always have a job!