"Never make the same mistake twice"

March 9, 2010

"Never make the same mistake twice"

By: Katlin Francis

Jason Bodin is the Sports Information Director for the University of Oklahoma Department of Athletics. Bodin works closely with Men's Tennis as the media contact.

Relatively new to the industry, Bodin spent the last two years, post graduation, working with public relations. Prior to his current public relations employment, Bodin tried marketing. After attaining a Bachelors degree in Public Relations from OU with a minor in Classics, Bodin began working for Oil and Gas Company as a Lease Buyer.

However, Bodin was not fulfilled in his field as a Lease Buyer. He "realized even though it paid well it was not want I wanted to do." Looking for a new career, Bodin interned at OU for two years and is currently working as a graduate assistant. Bodin likes the career trajectory with OU athletics and sees a future of growth in this industry.

Despite Bodin's current successful career, he was not always satisfied with his work. After learning a few lessons the hard way, Bodin advises PR majors to know their strengths. PR majors should not be "afraid to ask questions." When in doubt always follow the associated press stylebook guidelines.

The top knowledge and skills needed for a PR professional are "1. Writing (press releases are key to the industry, if you cannot write PR is not for you) 2. Be able to communicate to a wide variety of people. 3. Networking"

Bodin learns from every situation and lives by the motto, "don't beat yourself up if you make a mistake... learn from it and never make the same mistake twice."

Photo courtesy of Jason Bodin