"Network, Network, Network": Advice from Successful Alumni

By Emily Maffei

Mark Romano (‘79) and Ino Gomez (‘79), two St. Thomas Aquinas College alumni, came back March 6 to talk to some undergraduate students about their journey to success. Romano is currently the Vice President Affiliate Sales of the Outdoor Channel while Gomez is the On Air Personality for Univision WADO 1280 and the color commentator for the Brooklyn Nets.

Romano and Gomez made two things clear; dress for success and network! They emphasized the fact that networking is one of the keys to success. You never know when you will meet the right person that will introduce you to your future employer. During their visit to Dr. Durney’s Communications Seminar Class in Borelli Hall Room 208, the students got the inside scoop on salaries, sales, and success. With a little bit of comedy to boot. They engaged with the students through their dry humor, success stories, and interviewing tips. (All with a smile on their faces and jokes up their sleeves.)

The student audience gained inside tips from two guys who know how to work their way to the top. They out worked their co-workers, dressed to the nines, networked, and never said no to a job.

“You are responsible for everything you say” and “have self confidence and self direct,”said Romano. Gomez started his speech by saying “never be boring,” I was immediately attentive along with everyone else in the classroom. Gomez said as a professional communicator, “never take your audience for granted.” Meaning always know your audience and appreciate them giving their time to listen to you speak.

At the end of their presentation, both of them thanked us for listening to them and to show our appreciation we applauded them and some quickly approached them afterward. These students were lucky to have gained so much intel from these two down to earth guys. After the speech, the guest speakers gave out their personal email and LinkedIn accounts, urging the students to start networking immediately.