FALL 2008 - McMurry University

ShapingPositiveRelationshipsShana Bristow1992 Graduate of McMurry University with a B.A.in BusinessEven though 15 years separates Shana Norman Bristowfrom her college days at McMurry, she still draws dailyfrom her college experiences in learning to succeed inthe fast-paced world of international corporate publicrelations. A 1992 McMurry graduate, Bristow currentlyserves as senior vice president for Fleishman-HillardInternational Communications. Her agency work hasfocused primarily on corporate clients. Though shehas worked with many industries, her main focus is onhealthcare. She is currently working with an oncologygroup, and much of her efforts for them focus on cancerprevention and early detection.Regarding her job responsibilities, Shana states, “Ido media relations. When a reporter wants to talk to oneof my clients, I help arrange that interview and preparethe spokesperson.” Her duties at Fleishman-Hillard alsoinclude making company announcements, suggestingstories to the media to educate them about clients, andconducting internal communications for companies.Shana admits that she wasn't sure she would like workingin an agency because it was so different from previouswork experiences, but she realized “there are greatopportunities and sometimes you have to weather thelearning curves and challenging times to achieve success,and then be able to use the lessons learned to helpothers."Shana’s career journey has convinced her thateach career position a person holds helps set the stagefor subsequent job opportunities. “For me, it's easy totrace my path back to McMurry,” she states. A year aftergraduating, she spent five years in various capacities atMcMurry. That experience helped her land a job at theCouncil for Advancement and Support of Education inWashington, D.C. She explains, “The combination ofthese two experiences positioned me well for my currentposition.”Shana credits her college experience as animportant factor in her career success, stating that "goingto a small university gave me the opportunity to holdleadership positions in a variety of organizations. Thathands-on experience working with diverse personalitiesand learning the fine art of multi-tasking has provedinvaluable.” Her multi-tasking skills are also valuable asshe balances work and family. She explains, "Like every14 McMurry University