Waverly High School students recently welcomed Cindi Remy, Chief Communications Officer at Shawnee State University, for a conversation about career exploration, communication, journalism, and the importance of being willing to take chances.
A Waverly graduate, Remy shared her own path from high school to a career in communications. She explained that she did not consider herself a top student when she was younger, but eventually discovered an interest in journalism and communications while attending The Ohio State University. An internship at NBC 4 in Columbus helped launch a career in television news, where she spent more than 17 years and eventually became a senior producer.
Remy encouraged students to explore opportunities even when they may not feel completely prepared for them. She discussed the importance of internships, hard work, building relationships, and developing skills that can transfer from one career to another.
She also spoke openly about how career goals can change over time. After more than 17 years at NBC 4, Remy decided she wanted to return to southern Ohio and build a career that allowed her to spend more time with her family. She went on to work in communications for Adena Health System.
Her career later took her to Fluor-BWXT Portsmouth at the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant. Remy told students that although she had years of professional communications experience, there wasn't a communications position available when she arrived. Needing a job, she initially went to work making helmets.
Remy used that experience as an example of being willing to take an unexpected path toward a goal. She sought out the people she wanted to work with, made sure they knew her abilities, and eventually moved into the communications department. She went on to spend nearly nine years with Fluor-BWXT Portsmouth, ultimately serving as a Senior Communications Specialist.
In July, Remy began the latest chapter of her career when she joined Shawnee State University as Chief Communications Officer.
Throughout the presentation, Remy used her experiences to encourage students not to allow grades, setbacks, fear, or growing up in a small community to determine what they believe they can accomplish.
“What you are right now does not define who you will be in the future,” Remy told students.
She also reflected on the influence Waverly teachers and school activities had on her own development, including her involvement with the school newspaper and yearbook, and encouraged students to find activities and interests that can help them discover possible career paths.
During a question-and-answer session, Remy discussed her experiences working in television news, memorable stories she covered, and the role of journalists in gathering information and presenting facts so audiences can form their own conclusions.
One message summed up much of Remy's advice to students: “Don't let your geography determine your destination.”
