From convocation at Oklahoma to graduation at Arizona State, some thoughts

As I observed the new University of Oklahoma graduates from wonderful Gaylord College walk the stage during Saturday’s convocation at the historic McCasland Fieldhouse, I thought to myself that this would be me in less than six months — walking the stage in Tempe, Arizona, as I receive a master’s degree in journalism (Digital Audience Strategy) from Arizona State University.

It was impossible not to feel some emotion on behalf of this undergraduate and graduate cohort alike, the hard work they’ve finished, the challenges they may have faced along the way.

My message to the new Sooners alums was the same I’ve delivered at least twice before at these events: get involved with your alumni association. The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it. I can’t count high enough the number of positives I’ve gotten out of being part of JayMac, now named the Gaylord College Alumni Association.

Being involved with OU as an alumnus is now a no-brainer, something I plan to carry on the rest of my days in some form or fashion. Likewise, my experience with the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications has been great, too. I hope to be involved with the Sun Devils as well.

I’ve finished 8 of 10 classes, and I have a break until March. That break is due to the fact that the ‘podcasting’ course was not available in the first part of the spring semester. So, my time at ASU will close with seven weeks of really, really hard work, that podcasting class and a capstone class.

And it will be severe weather season and time to get ready for all the work we put into broadcasting and streaming the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. I will be psyched up.

It’s game time come March 11, and I shall sleep come June.

But like many others at the OU convocation on Saturday, I will be relieved for the work to be done. The graduate program at Arizona State isn’t rigorous like what I once imagined law school might be like. I would watch episodes of “The Paper Chase” as a kid, and dream of taking down Professor Kingsfield in a back-and-forth on torts.

Also, I was 9 going on 40.

However, it has been rigorous in the way that all of adulthood is rigorous. It requires sacrifice, scheduling and discipline. The toughest part of any of these classes has been earning the certifications. None of them have been cakewalks.

My best advice to anybody choosing an online graduate program is to do it at a school where the online professors are the same as the ones who have in-person classes at the university. Arizona State’s is like that. So, is the University of Oklahoma’s. To be completely transparent, I considered OU’s graduate program, too, but ultimately the ASU courses were more aligned with my career path, heavier on the digital audience development.

My best advice for any online graduate student is to read the professor’s instructions closely. As in life, so goes it in class. If you’ll just do what the professor asks, you’ll be in good shape.

The program hasn’t been heavy on reading. There is a pace to each of the seven weeks per class, some assignments, some discussions. The best way to keep it stress-free is to not dilly dally. Take care of your business, and study.

My favorite classes so far have been my first one with Senior Associate Dean Jessica Pucci, MCO 561 “Defining The Digital Audience.” Not only was it my first class in 30 years, it was quite enjoyable — and my course project centered around a brand I truly love, New Era Cap Company. For the Arizona State DAS program, this introductory class sets the tone for the entire program, and I hope you’re lucky enough to have Prof. Pucci as your teacher.

Loved the Media Law class with Matthew Yurus, too. Yes, it was my “Paper Chase” moment since it pertained to law, but no, Yurus was not intimidating like Kingsfield. He’s a former TV newsie who now practices law, and he was incredibly nice. While I expected to read a ton about law, I didn’t expect to learn an entirely new construct for writing — a construct that will improve my communication in all facets.

BTW, I’m keeping all the textbooks, especially the law text. I actually enjoy reading about the cases!

Anyway, OU and ASU offer the very best of what working journalism has to offer at the university level. If you want to be a multimedia journalist in 2024, those are your best choices bar none.

And if you’ve been considering a graduate program in journalism or strategic communication or digital audience strategy, by whatever names they go — you’re not going to go wrong with either of these programs.

Don’t wait until you’re over 50 like me to do this!

And if you’re over 50… it ain’t too late.