Thomas boasts a remarkable 50-year career as an author, educator, and public relations practitioner. Some of his previous positions include teaching Public Relations at the University of Oregon, director of Public and Investor Relations at Alumax Inc. for ten years, Vice President of Hill & Knowlton, and Northwest Public Relations Manager at ALCOA.
Thomas received a Bachelor of Science in Journalism in 1964 from Ohio University. He returned to OHIO and received a Master’s degree in Journalism and Public Relations in 1968. Thomas’ publication, Public Relations Playbook, was selected by BookAuthority as one of the best new books in public relations to read in 2020 and The Jonathan Marshall Award in 2007. In 2020, Washington State University established an annual award in Thomas’ name for the best student team in Integrated Strategic Communication.
Key Takeaways:
- Treasure the liberal arts: Liberal arts can train you to think critically and form unique ideas.
- Technology is a tool: Learning to use the technology tool is essential. However, your intellect makes this tool useful.
- Seek out a hands-on experience wherever you can
- Make your career an adventure: Have confidence in creating a vision for your adventure. Set both short and long-term goals and calculate risks.
- Be resilient: Significant life changes can take you by surprise.
- Stay connected with education and never stop learning: Going to graduate school is an excellent opportunity to consider.
- Make writing your top skill: Writing will be essential throughout your career. Always remember to check for spelling and grammar mistakes.
- Practice your presentation skills.
- Be seen. Heard. Championed: If you really want a job, don’t leave the interviewer guessing. Tell them how passionate you are. Describe how you would fit into the company.
- Broaden your experience, but do your homework: Try switching from corporate to an agency, or vise-versa, but talk to people working there first to see if it is right for you.
- Try new ideas: Take risks with ideas you are passionate about.
- Seize opportunities and challenge yourself.
- Take notes for the future and share what you learn: Consider the possibility of teaching Public Relations in the future. Build a personal library of materials.
- Enjoy what you love and express what you believe.
Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn here.
