Bobbi Earles is a 1988 Loras grad who now is a Loras staff member after a distinguished career in television broadcasting. We sat down asked her about her professional career:

 What does your position as executive director of alumni and communication entail?

It’s not very clear when you say you work “in alumni.” Very simply put, the job involves building relationships with alumni of Loras College and helping them stay connected with the school.

Having graduated from Loras, did you ever guess that you come back to work here?

I think almost anyone who attends Loras has a fantasy of coming back and working here. 7 years ago, in January 2003 an opportunity arose and I took the offer. I started on the development side of fundraising and for about 2 to 3 years now I have worked exclusively with alumni.

What positions did you have prior to becoming executive director of alumni and communications that led you to what you’re doing now at Loras?

After graduating in 1988 I worked at KWWL in Cedar Falls. From that position, I moved to a variety of positions — associate producer, health reporter, noon anchor, 10 o’clock anchor, etc. During my 14-and-a-half years at KWWL, it was truly one of those career paths of working my way up through organizations. I took advantage of the opportunity that was presented, and that allowed me to get to my goal.

What activities were you involved in during your time at Loras?

I had two work-study jobs, 4 internships, had an off campus job, wrote for the Lorian and was the Features Editor and I worked for what is now called LCTV. The media students had program that was once a week where we worked with the local ABC affiliate, KDUB. It was in 1984 that the Media Studies major was introduced and my incoming class was the first class to go all 4 years with the major.

Were internships as important or attractive to employers when you were in college as they are today?

Back then, they were certainly available but not pursued as much as much as they are today. Now they’re essential — back then it was a bonus.

What advice do you have for students?

Take advantage of every opportunity that you have at Loras, whether it is a club or a leadership role through Student Senate — make sure that your collegiate experience is well-rounded, whether it is through studying abroad or service learning. Get to know alumni and other staff across campus because they are great resources. When you leave Loras, don’t forget that connection that you had on campus. Wherever your job lands you or where you are living after college, Loras is always going to be second home — so make sure you want to come back as alumni.

If you didn’t have this position you currently have, what do you think you would be doing?

When I was working for KWWL, I looked at that as my lifelong career. I wouldn’t trade that experience because it brought me where I am today. There are opportunities that come along keep yourself open, be passionate and do the very best. I love what I am doing now, though, and hopefully I’m going to be retiring from Loras College.