Lissie Youse Wade

Please describe your position and what you enjoy most about it.

I am a communications specialist at the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). The field of communications is very exciting to work in because every day is full of different tasks and challenges. Some days I’m planning public events and meetings. Sometimes I’m sending out multiple press releases and am working with the media. In this position, I am able to assist the citizens of Missouri, and all of our state’s visiting travelers, while pursuing my passion of creativity and public relations. I believe God has placed me in this position and I’m blessed to work for this organization with these people.

What aspects of your HLGU experience helped prepare you for your career?

I was enrolled in two separate public speaking courses while attending HLGU. Dr. Burt, the president of the university at the time, taught one, and Mrs. Jung, a newer professor at the time, taught the other. Both of these classes were instrumental in boosting my confidence and helping me break bad habits when presenting to large groups. I have used these skills so much during my occupations, whether speaking to students in classrooms, presenting at public and internal meetings, and even being interviewed by the media, that this knowledge has been invaluable.

Do you have any tips to share with students interested in this field?

One piece of advice that I think is really valuable to students is to gain as much experience as possible during your college years. Intern! Intern at several organizations within your field of interest to really get a good perspective of what a day actually looks like while working there. It will help you discover if this really is the career path for you. Also, this hands on experience is what separates you from other college graduates. Find a mentor in your field, whether a professor, a business professional, or a close relative, and ask them for guidance on what steps to take to prepare yourself and market yourself when job hunting begins.

What on-campus activities were you involved in at HLGU?

I was involved in the business fraternity, Jazz Choir, Concert Choir, yearbook and intramural volleyball while attending HLGU. My favorite memory was traveling over Thanksgiving to New York City with Concert Choir to perform at Carnegie Hall. Not only did we get the opportunity to sing at this historical venue graced by so many talented musicians, but we were able to site see, and even take in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’ll not soon forget.

LinkedIn – @linkedin.com/in/lissie-wade