While Homecoming is important at every school, at the University of Missouri we mean business. It’s not just a social/sporting event, it’s a requirement for alumni. Mizzou claims to be the birthplace of the Homecoming tradition and we are passionate about making the trip back to celebrate together.

On a smaller scale, the journalism graduates are an extremely tight knit network of professionals. We consider complete strangers to be family based on our education. We refer to ourselves as the Mizzou Mafia and our mission is to help Missouri journalism grads make the most of every opportunity.

Today, my mentor, friend and favorite new media mind, Jen Reeves, hosted the 6th Annual Real World Homecoming Lunch. The purpose: use homecoming to bring professional journalists and students together to share some practical advice. And also consume massive amounts of our favorite local pizza.

This year, Jen decided to recruit some students to help live blog the lunch. Not only were hundreds of students and journalists gathered in a room together, but dozens of professionals from around the country were able to chime in on their lunch break. Thanks to Cover It Live, moderators were able to pull in information and pictures from everyone in the room (using their phones and laptops) as well as comments from those using a Twitter hashtag or commenting in the live chat. There was a presentation going on at the actual lunch, but I think the online version was much deeper and more complex.

While much of the discussion centered around the news business, here are some tips that I think can apply to everyone.

• Learn everything you can while you’re in school through classes and internships, especially in regards to technology.
• New graduates are expected to know how to integrate technology into the workplace, so make sure you can deliver on that expectation.
• Bosses matter - make sure you find someone you respect and who is willing to invest in you.
• Find your niche. Find that skill that sets you apart from everyone else and make sure your managers take note.
• Take initiative. In most instances, companies tell you what they require as the bare minimum. You should always go above and beyond without being asked.
• Don’t box yourself in. When you’re job hunting, don’t narrow your focus so far that you miss a great opportunity.

Feel free to share your advice for recent or soon-to-be college grads below.

Posted under Education, Web/Tech