“This is a dream job and an offer I could not turn down!” says Janczewski. He will be a media assistant working with Broadway clients such as Wicked, Jersey Boys, Les Miserables, and The Book of Mormon. So, how did he land this dream job (almost) straight out of college?
“I took the opportunity in my hands to use my spring break to travel to NYC for informational interviews. I set up info sessions at companies such as Disney, ABC, and many others. I wanted these companies to see my portfolio and work from my undergrad career firsthand.” When he returned from spring break, Janczewski began applying for jobs and was happy to get a handful of interviews.
As a student, Janczewski combined two passions to create a tailor made undergraduate education. He majored in Public Relations and focused on activities that included his desire to work in theatre. In his sophomore year, he became an Arts Management Assistant in the Department of Theatre, where he was able to apply his public relations knowledge.
He was also very involved on campus as a Fall Welcome Ambassador, a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, a member of Sigma Lambda Beta, PR Chair for the Nonprofit Leadership Student Association, a member of the Bronco Marching Band, a reporter for the Western Herald, and an employee of the Division of Student Affairs. Named the 2012 Next Generation Nonprofit Leader by the American Humanics Association, Janczewski was also an Orientation Student Leader.
“Becoming an orientation student was truly the experience of a lifetime in the capacity of becoming a well-rounded WMU leader,” says Janczewski. “It was a truly rewarding experience.”
Janczewski has lots of advice for new and current students on how to make your career goals a reality—aside from being active on campus.
“Internships are the best young professional opportunities for an undergraduate student,” he says. Janczewski held several internships as a student, including one with the world-renown Glimmerglass Opera Festival in New York.
“I would not have been there without the help of WMU, specifically thanks to the College of Fine Arts. I say this because there may always be some type of financial burden—for me, traveling to a new state was a financial burden—but the College of Fine Arts found a way to assist me via scholarships,” Janczewski says. “Don’t miss an opportunity because you can’t afford it. WMU will help you find a way to make it work, because they’re ultimate goal is ensuring that you get the best education possible.”
He also notes that students should work hard for what they want, because it will not happen on its own. This includes experiencing as much as possible, “WMU provides endless opportunities to listen and meet guest speakers, networking opportunities, career fairs, abroad trips, scholarship advice for internships, and so much more.”
“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there,” he says. “Show off your work you have done at WMU, your personality—and face the unknown, because in the end, something great could come out of it, just as I have experienced.”
As Cody leaves campus to embark on the next part of his journey he notes that he will miss Welcome Week most, “Maybe it’s the unknown of new classes starting, or maybe the meeting of new friends, Bronco Bash, or the football games, but whatever it is, I will truly miss it.
“We are here for academics, but be sure to have fun and make all those memories, because I will forever hold them close to my heart.”