Age: 40 years old
Major: Journalism, Public Relations emphasis
UO Graduation year: 1988
Job Title: President, Waggener Edstrom. Waggener Edstrom is the world’s second largest Public Relations firm that has worked with MasterCard, Microsoft and T-Mobile, among others.
Corey duBrowa almost didn’t attend the University of Oregon. He had a choice between going to a smaller school and playing soccer, or attending a bigger one and leaving his favorite sport behind.
He chose the latter, and now he’s president of one of the largest public relations firms in the world.
His path to success wasn’t without hard work, though, as duBrowa learned throughout college that success wouldn’t come unless he gained experience in the career paths he wanted to pursue. He said he owes a great deal of that insight to his favorite professor, the late Bill Winter.
“I was looking for someone who would really push me and challenge me and help me realize the potential,” duBrowa said.
He joined the School of Journalism and Communication’s student ad team his senior year and helped lead it to the University’s only national championship at the National Student Advertising Competition. His team’s product was Nestle Chocolate Bars.
“The thing I took away from that experience – besides the fact that it made me more committed to a marketing career – is this notion of teamwork,” he said. “Winning wasn’t really what was important… it was really more the experience and the learning that you go through and the value of teamwork.”
Aside from his experience on the ad team, duBrowa worked with the Career Center to find two internships. He worked for an ad agency and had a client assignment in Junction city.
“Once I had landed (the internships) it was one of things where you make it what you will,” he said. “If you’re going to spend the time doing something you might as well do it really well.”
– Ryan Knutson

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:

“For any University of Oregon student, the single best thing you can do is be successful after you leave the University. The value of a UO degree increases for every Ann Curry. The Phil Knights of the world have made the value of that degree so much greater.”

FOR THOSE IN A FIRST JOB:

? Think beyond the role that you are currently in..
? Learn about the business of the business. Learn about the things that are critical to what your job entails..
? Be curious and learn about the company you work for. You’ll make yourself more valuable.
? Find people you can mentor who can later serve as your mentor.
? Think about the legacy that you’ll leave.
? Give back once you’ve achieved success.

FOR THOSE IN COLLEGE:

? Take advantage of the Career Center.
? College is not just about résumé building; it’s about getting an understanding of what’s interesting for you.
? Participate in extra activities to supplement your education. Get involved in the ASUO, Greek life or student groups.
? Scour the University for different experiences.
? Take random classes that are interesting to you.
? Remember that the classroom is only one part of a much bigger education.
? Take advantage of all the time you have. Lighten up and laugh. Appreciate friendships. Do things that don’t necessarily have a defined outcome.
? Get involved in peer advising.
? You’ll never lose by giving of yourself.

FOR JOB SEARCHING:

? Think big or think bigger.
? Try to expand your worldview. Don’t fear jobs overseas.
? Think about experiences that are applicable to employers.
? Utilize the University’s networking capabilities.