DG
Darcy Garrett
  • Downers Grove, IL

Darcy Garrett of Downers Grove Explores Various Fields of Communication with Behind the Scenes Tours

2011 Nov 22

Behind the scenes tours of NBC5 television studios, the Willis Tower Sky Deck and McCormick Place are just a few of the activities included in the "Friday Field Trips" for the Lewis University National Communication Association Student Club. The exploration initiative exposes members to the extensive array of career opportunities available for communication majors.

Darcy Garrett of Downers Grove, Ill. is a part of the National Communication Association (NCA) at Lewis University and participated in the Friday Field Trips.

Since the program was implemented in Spring 2011, student club members have visited Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, the Willis Tower Sky Deck, the NBC5 television studios and McCormick Place. For example, the group observed the noon news broadcast during a tour of the NBC5 television studios and met the program's producer and anchor, Rob Elgas. The group toured the entire broadcast facility and learned about what it takes to produce a local television news broadcast.

"Our visits to these thriving organizations have allowed club members to learn about various facets of communications," said Lisa O'Toole, assistant professor of communications and adviser of the National Communication Association Student Club. "We have enjoyed extensive tours of the organizations' facilities and met with a range of communication professionals who act as mentors for the students."

Most recently, NCA club members toured McCormick Place, the largest convention complex in North America. They spent the morning of Nov. 11 learning about Chicago's convention industry and how a communications degree is an excellent fit for a career in special events and the trade show industry. They walked through the entire 2.6 million sq. ft. complex and met with a McCormick Place sales manager who spoke with them about the convention industry.

"Students left McCormick Place feeling invigorated about all the different careers available to communications majors through the trade show and convention industry," commented O'Toole.

The National Communication Association Student Club at Lewis University promotes the study, teaching and application of the principles of communication through educational and social functions.

Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally aware, and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit http://www.lewisu.edu for more information.