Two recent graduates of Austin Peay, both of whom were student workers for the Office of Public Relations and Publications, parlayed that experience into exciting first jobs.

Maggie Bizwell ('98) gained experience as a graphic designer during her student days, while Amy Spiceland ('99) learned the ropes as a writer and public relations specialist.

After graduation, Bizwell nailed a job as graphic artist for the Nashville Predators, an NHL team. She is in charge of designing "The Saber Tooth Times," the official magazine of the team, and "Predators Press," the game program. Other duties call for her to handle myriad "odds and ends" that come through the communication department.

She didn't ease into the job--she says she walked in her first day and they said, "Hi Maggie, nice to meet you...we have a Friday deadline on a magazine." Welcome to the "real" world, Maggie! She credits lots of cola with helping her meet the deadline, as well as immediately beginning work on a 200-page media guide.

Spiceland, upon graduation, journeyed to Washington, D.C., for a six-month internship with the National Parks Foundation. The Capitol bug bit and she decided she wanted to keep working in the most powerful city in the world.

Her hard work paid off--the National Parks Foundation wanted to keep a good worker and, in January, hired her as the foundation's board and events coordinator. She is in charge of organizing all board, alumni council and superintendent meetings, as well as receptions, events, etc.

"The job entails a good deal of travel," she says. "During the next year, I already know of two major trips I will be going on, one to Colorado to Mesa Verde National Park, and a trip to Alaska, to Denali. Other than being terrified of flying, I am very excited about the opportunity to see all these awesome places."

One working in the state capital and another in the nation's capital--not bad for two young women on their first foray into the business world.