At Mayo you don't climb the ladder, you climb the lattice. Mayo offers you a lot of opportunities.

A day in the life of a communications consultant is always changing, which is why I like what I do. I often plan my day on my way to work and at the end of the day, look back and realize that my day was completely different than my plan. I begin to write an article and then get an e-mail from someone saying, "The local newspaper is calling and they want to quote me ... is it OK?" Then I get a call saying, "We need a communications plan by the end of the week." It is a daily juggle of priorities and managing client expectations. However, as much as I complain about being busy, it is the best thing. I'm never bored.

In Communications, you have to be able to figure people out. You have to know when someone is frustrated, or when they don't understand, or when they just want you to leave or shut up. You also have to be able to work with different personalities such as the researcher who has done a great research study but doesn't want anything to do with the media.

The bottom line is that I know I am helping people. The story I am helping to get out to the media is ultimately helping someone. I think one of the Mayos said something to the effect that everyone's job is important, whether it is keeping the floor clean, making sure there is Kleenex, giving an IV, or what I do.