A Q&A with Senior Journalism Major Heather Hodge

Heather Hodge
Senior Majoring in Journalism, Media Operations Specialist for Inmar Intelligence,
and Webmaster for the Arkansas Air and Military Museum

In this conversation, Hodge talks about returning to college to expand her knowledge in a field she loves; how her journalism professors have helped her overcome challenges and even secure scholarships; the importance of networking; her passion for flying and pursuing her pilot certification; her dream to work with NBC Universal and Halloween Horror Nights; and how she works hard to show her daughter that “nothing in life is out of reach, she is capable of anything, and it is never too late to start over or try again.”

Q: Tell us a little about your academic passions, research and/or what you’re studying within the college. What excites you about this?

I knew I wanted to work in a field that inspired me, sparked passion, and would hold my interest over time. I wanted to work in an industry that was subject to frequent changes, so that way I was always learning something new. Growing stagnant within a career was always a fear of mine.

A few years ago, I started working in the advertising and public relations field and fell in love with it. Then, life threw some curveballs and I needed to pivot.

But knowing how much I loved the advertising and public relations field, I applied to go back to college and was soon accepted into the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship program.

There was no hesitation in deciding my academic path, although I was nervous about taking a math class after being out of school for nearly 12 years. I set my course and focused my academic goals towards achieving a degree in the field I loved.

What excites me most is when I learn something in school and now understand, full circle, the “why’s” of what I was doing while working in the field. I love it when the light bulb goes off.

When that happens, I know my decision to return to school was the right one as I am still learning, growing, and working towards expanding my knowledge in a career that I love.

Q: How long have you been at Fulbright College? What have you enjoyed most about your time here?

I have been at Fulbright College for two years. I started my academic journey at NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) and chose the U of A as my next step.

An enjoyable aspect to my collegiate journey is the professors at the U of A. When I was younger, I would have taken my professors for granted. I probably would not have even spoken to my professors unless I had a question that would help me pass the test.

However, now I’m getting to know them, their past work, why they teach, and what they are passionate about. How I learn this information is by engaging in my work and thinking outside the confines of ‘just passing the exam’ and initiating thoughtful discussions with my professors.

The fact that the staff takes the time out of their day to answer emails, schedule office visits, or Zoom meetings around my insane schedule to engage with me is priceless.

I have learned networking is a part of life and this is a part of college life. I am networking with my professors and in turn they challenge me as student and even more so an equal individual. They offer though provoking insight, opportunities to learn or do more within the college community and provide additional sources to help me really understand a topic.

If it was not for my professors, I would not strive to be the student I am today. Thank you, professors, for your time and help overcoming challenges.

Q: What has your favorite class been so far and why?

Do I have to choose?! All my courses have been valuable.

I loved my media law and law classes, which even got me thinking about law school.

My journalism ethics course had me thinking all hours of the night about dilemmas journalists face and how I am seeing, or not seeing, ethics within modern day media. Sorry Professor Bostwick for all the late-night emails.

My journalism classes forced me to become better writer and helped me understand grammar in-depth for the first time since 10th grade. My multimedia journalism class was full of fun projects and challenged me creatively.

And currently, my advertising and public relations classes are connecting the dots to what I do and see in the workplace with the reasoning behind the actions.

Every class has added value to my career and personal goals and every professor has encouraged me as a student. I cannot simply just pick one.

Q: What advice would you give to new students about to join the college?

Join a group, be active in something that can further your networking abilities or build your skillsets for the future.

Having a community of individuals that can encourage you and help you, particularly in regard to your degree and career path, is very valuable.

Additionally, reach out and introduce yourself to your professors. You never know what opportunities may come from that.

For example, when I knew the U of A was going to be my next step, I had not even signed up for classes yet, but I emailed my resume and an introduction to the department chair, and to the staff over at the student newspaper, radio station, advertising and broadcasting groups.

Every staff member replied welcoming me, saying they were looking forward to meeting me, and it led me to meeting the department chair directly for a private tour of the school. He took the time to show me around, introduce me to staff, and get me ready for this next step.

Flashforward a few months, and I get an email that I have received a scholarship at the U of A. I had not applied to any scholarships at the U of A and thus thought there had been an error. I called the office and was kindly told I had made such an impression on the department chair that he submitted my name as a nominee for a scholarship and I was selected.

All of this came from just writing a simple email, following up with action, and networking with my new school.

I felt so welcome and this gesture of faith in me in the form of a scholarship from the college inspired me and challenged me to be an even better student. My college literally invested in me.

The college will invest in you too, which may look differently for each person, but all you have to do is put yourself out there, show effort, and have initiative.

Q: What do you like to do during your time outside of the university?

Outside of the university and student life, I am a single mother and dog mom, and work at Inmar Intelligence, formally known as Collective Bias. I’m on the Media Operations team, which focuses on paid media, and executing influencer advertising campaigns on social platforms.

I volunteer my time and skill sets to Drake Field, Elite Aircraft Services, Airshow360, and the Arkansas Air and Military Museum.

I am a student pilot so I can be found in the sky around Drake Field, hiking, or on the lake when the weather is nice. I may even be found at home bingeing something on Netflix, and it is not uncommon to see a book in my hand that expands my knowledge or leads me on an adventure.

But mainly, I am a mother. I work hard in all that I do to show my daughter that nothing in life is out of reach, she is capable of anything, and it is never too late to start over or try again.

Q: When do you anticipate graduating, and what’s up next on the horizon for you?

My graduation date is set for this spring 2021. The plan is to continue working at Inmar Intelligence and continue my local volunteer work.

I also hope to complete my pilot certificate and one day work toward an instructor rating to teach others to fly as a hobby.

This is my plan while my daughter completes her grade school education. Once she is finished with school, I have my eyes set on working for NBC Universal and relocating to Florida or California to be an employee for their Halloween Horror Nights events.

I am open to other options but that is my dream.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add or let readers know?

At risk of sounding like a broken record, I want to encourage each student to seek out and join a group, apply for internships, and network, network, network!!!!

This is something I would not have done when I was younger. I got my first job in advertising by networking and then that led to another opportunity and another. If you make a good impression, people do remember you and they will think of you and seek you out when something opens up.

Also, try ALL THE THINGS!!! Go get experience in areas that interest you.

Sure, paid work is good, but do not be afraid to take unpaid positions that challenge you and set you up with a network of great contacts, too. Those opportunities are just as valuable on a resume or in an interview as paid ones.

Go to Chamber of Commerce meetings, pass out networking cards, set up an online portfolio, and DO THE WORK! It will pay off!

One of my biggest accomplishments happened last summer. I applied to a Facebook internship program and actually landed it. I worked with Facebook last summer and became a brand ambassador for them for their Career Connections program.

I now have several close connections within Facebook, and we are all still frequently in contact. I have advocates on my behalf inside the company, and it is an experience I will never forget.

I would not be where I am today and doing what I am doing if I had not taken those internships, opportunities, or put in initiative. Do not be afraid to take on those challenges.

Also know that I am here as a fellow student or mentor, please find me on LinkedIn and do not hesitate to reach out.

So many have given me a hand up and now is my time to do the same for others.