Student Spotlight: Liza Winkler from AWC Texas State University Chapter

Each month AWC will feature a shining star from one of our local Austin student chapters. This month we highlight Liza Winkler, Vice President of the AWC Texas State University student chapter.

AWC: Tell me about your background, where did you grow up and how did you land at TXstate?

LW: I grew up in Houston and I am Texas born and bred! I have never lived anywhere else. I live in Cypress right outside of Houston and have lived there for the last 12 years. I only applied to one college because I knew Texas State was the only school I wanted to go to. I love the awesome Mass Communication program there.

AWC: What are you studying and why?

LW: I am majoring in Print Journalism in the Mass Communication field. I am hoping to minor in Spanish as well because I think it would be a useful skill in the professional world to be bilingual or as close to bilingual as I can. I have had a love for writing ever since I was in first grade when my teacher had my class write a sentence on penguins. I ended up writing eight pages about penguins and my parents knew I had a talent.

AWC: When did you join AWC and what has it meant to you so far?

LW: I joined AWC in fall of 2010 and I fell in love with the organization. I became Treasurer of the Texas State chapter in August of 2011 and moved up to the Vice President position in January. I love all the networking opportunities and the inspirational speakers that come and speak to us.

AWC: Is there anything special you take away from AWC, over other organizations you may or may not belong to?

LW: I really appreciate the warm atmosphere within AWC. All of the professionals are really eager to help college students out in the job force. I really value all the advice I have received from our speakers regarding areas such as what to wear a professional job, how to have confidence and the best ways to market ourselves to an employer in an interview.

AWC: Where do you see yourself in three years?

LW: I plan on graduating from Texas State in two years since I am a sophomore now. I will have my Bachelor’s degree and hopefully be working at a newspaper or magazine around the Houston area. I am excited to see what the future holds. I work at the University Star as Senior News Reporter currently and I also work for Cy-Fair Magazine back in my home town. I already have an internship lined up for this summer at Community Impact Newspaper in Houston. I hope all my experience will allow me to get a great job in three years.

AWC: Tell me your favorite part about living in San Marcos.

LW: I love how beautiful the scenery is! The river is such a great addition to campus. I haven’t floated the river yet, but I plan on doing so this summer!

AWC: Do you have any advice or tips for new student members?

LW: I would tell any new members to take advantage of the opportunities AWC allows. The E-Mentor program is an easy way to be paired with a mentor in the industry who you can chat with and get advice from. It is vital to attend the meetings to learn about the professional world from people who work in it each day. I would encourage new members to attend AWC luncheons and any sponsored professional networking events to expand their networking base.