Andy Zipfel, a Cabrini College graduate, believes in using dedication and determination to get where you want to be in life. Zipfel spoke to all of the communication majors in the Widener Lecture Hall on Friday, Oct. 29.
Zipfel shared stories of dedication and determination that eventually led him to his successful positions in companies such as MTV, ESPN and AOL.
Zipfel began to explain how important media is as a general topic. Zipfel gave an example of how Elvis had three televisions in his “Jungle Room.” He told everyone the reason for these three televisions was to be able to watch the only three different channels that there was at that time.
Zipfel shared with everyone the idea of not allowing yourself to become too narrowly focused. Instead of focusing on television, radio and newspaper, you must become involved in video, audio and journalism.
Zipfel told his story of determination that really hit home to some of the students listening to the speech. Zipfel said that he knew what he wanted to do with his life so he moved to where he thought he belonged, New York City.
Zipfel had his name placed on a list used for temp jobs. When he realized the list was alphabetical, Zipfel knew he didn’t have a chance. Zipfel made an agreement to show up to the office in New York City and wait there everyday until there was work. If Zipfel waited there he would get picked first for the job of the day. Zipfel traveled into the city everyday and waited for the chance at a job.
While he sat in the office everyday waiting for his name to get chosen off a list, Zipfel had created a plan. On days that there wasn’t any work for him, Zipfel brought with him his resume that he then carried around to several businesses.
Zipfel is a perfect candidate for students to hear and then emulate. He has worked from the bottom up and successfully made it to a place where he is comfortable. He remembered to be versatile and be ready for anything.
“It’s so important to be ahead of the curve. You have to be ready for the next big thing,” Zipfel said.
Determination is one of the most important attributes for all majors to understand. Without determination you may not make it to the level of success you want. Moving to where the work is may not appeal to everyone but choices must be made for the sake of what you want.
