1. Name (First and Last)
Michael Schroeder
2. Twitter
@HilltopperSID
3. LinkedIn
Employment Info
4. Employer
Western Kentucky University
5. Title/Occupation
Assistant Athletic Director/Communications
Academic Info
6. Graduation Year (list as "Month Year")
May 2009
7. Major
Broadcast Journalism
8. Minor and/or Certificates
Other Stuff
9. Hometown
Bloomington, Ill.
10. Hobbies
Career Information & Advice
Please answer each of the following questions with as much detail as possible while keeping your answers succinct (aim for 2 - 4 sentences per question).
11. What are your job responsibilities/duties?
I currently oversee all publicity and media relations for WKU Athletics, with direct responsibilities with the Hilltopper men's basketball program in terms of press releases, interviews, statistics, social media and web content, among much more. I oversee a staff of six that is responsible for generating publicity and media content for all of our student-athletes, coaches and programs.
12. What does a typical day look like?
It changes on a day-to-day basis, which is what i enjoy so much! I am always involved with media and social media content, and i spend a lot of time interacting with media and our student-athletes and coaches.
13. What do you most enjoy about your job?
Being able to work with student-athletes and develop their communications skills. It is always gratifying to see someone who is shy and timid develop into the team's best speaker by the time they graduate. I also enjoy constantly being around athletics - I'm lucky to do what I do!
14. What is the most difficult aspect of the job?
Dealing with the negative that invariably comes with a high-profile entity like a Division I athletic department. Student-athlete discipline, struggling programs and coaching changes are always a challenge, but that's where relationships with media and administrators comes in handy.
15. What on-campus activities were you involved with? Where did you gain relevant experience?
I was a baseball manager for four years, where I developed my work ethic and appreciation for behind-the-scenes work. Public relations isn't always in the forefront of people's minds, but it is a very important part of any organization.
16. How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your professional life? For this specific position?
I learned a tremendous amount through the College of Media while working towards my Broadcast Journalism degree. Although I currently do not work directly in the media, I learned about public speaking, understanding the media and its needs, and communication in general during my time at Illinois.
17. What advice do you have for students interested in this field?
Do not be afraid to think outside-the-box with your career goals, but trust that Illinois is preparing you in a great way. Even though I'm not directly using my Broadcast Journalism experience as an on-air person or in production, I constantly am using my communications skills and my understanding of the media in my current role as a public relations practitioner. Communications is an in-demand skill, and I felt incredibly well-prepared after leaving Illinois.
