College of Journalism and Mass Communications alumni share how the skills they learned during their time at the college continue to play a vital role in their creative directing careers.
Greg Wiley’s ('91) journey to his role as the Chief Creative Officer at Swanson Russell began with a foundation in communication skills honed at the CoJMC, where listening was emphasized as an essential skill.
“In advertising, listening to your clients is everything,” Wiley said. “It’s about picking up on the nuances that can turn a good campaign into a great one.”
This skill has been pivotal in his career, allowing him to craft campaigns that are not only visually compelling but also resonate deeply with his target audiences.
Active listening is a big part of alumna Robin Fitzgerald’s ('97) approach to leadership and creativity. As Chief Creative Officer at BBDO Atlanta, she’s embraced a mindset of continuous learning that first began with her studies at UNL.
“Every new skill you learn is another tool in your creative toolkit,” Fitzgerald said. “It keeps the work fresh and exciting.”
Fitzgerald's willingness to embrace new technologies and methodologies has helped BBDO maintain its position at the forefront of advertising.
Similar to Fitzgerald, alum Tyler Riewer’s ('04) role as senior creative director at charity:water demands a deep understanding of strategic communication.
“Our mission is urgent and compelling, and it’s crucial to communicate that effectively to motivate our audience,” Riewer said.
His education at the CoJMC emphasized the importance of clear and compelling messaging, a skill he uses to inspire action and drive the mission of providing clean water to communities in need. Riewer’s strategic communication skills help to ensure charity:water’s campaigns raise awareness and motivate people to contribute to their cause.
During his college years, BCom creative director Kevin Buglewicz ('16) learned that the best creative outcomes are often the result of collective effort and diverse perspectives.
“Creativity is a team sport,” Buglewicz said. “Every voice matters, and the best ideas come from bouncing thoughts off one another.”
Buglewicz’s leadership style focuses on empowering his team, fostering an environment where creativity thrives and innovative ideas flourish.
The value of collaboration also resonates with Erik Wieseman ('08), marketing and creative director at Nelnet. At the CoJMC, Wieseman took a pivotal course that emphasized the integration of marketing efforts across various channels.
"It’s all about creating a cohesive narrative that resonates with audiences across different platforms,” Wieseman said.
His ability to craft and execute comprehensive marketing strategies has been instrumental in maintaining Nelnet’s brand presence and engagement.
Karley Johnson ('21), creative director at CompanyCam, took the same college course as Wieseman. It’s where she first learned how to navigate the complexities of modern marketing and realized she wanted a creatively-focused career.
"Every project is an opportunity to push boundaries and explore new creative territories," Johnson said.
Johnson’s education provided a strong foundation, equipping her with the skills needed to navigate the fast-paced world of creative direction and make a significant impact in her field.
These University of Nebraska alumni exemplify how the skills and values nurtured at the CoJMC have shaped their careers and continue to influence the creative industry.
