Manuel Navarro

Manuel Navarro

I think what I took most from my time in the FGCU Communication/PR Program is the focus on attention to detail. We were graded so tough on every detail and at the time I thought it was unnecessary criticism, but now I see how my attention to detail is making me stand out in my position.

Manuel NavarroCurrent Employer: The Golf Channel
Job title: Production Associate

“Working in sports like I am at Golf Channel doesn’t feel like a job. It’s really a way of life.” - Manny Navarro

Q. What sparked your decision to become a communication/public relations major?

  • I originally was a journalism major but I decided to switch because I wanted to learn more about public relations and communication.

Q. How did FGCU’s Communication/PR Program help prepare you for your current job?

  • I think what I took most from my time in the FGCU Communication/PR Program is the focus on attention to detail. We were graded so tough on every detail and at the time I thought it was unnecessary criticism, but now I see how my attention to detail is making me stand out in my position.

Q. Where did you complete your internship and how did it help prepare you for a job after graduation?

  • I worked with FGCU Athletics under Jason MacBain in the sports information department and really was able to see the day-to-day experiences of someone in the sports industry. I’ve always loved sports and played sports, but the internship was eye opening. The hours are strenuous, but working in sports like I am at Golf Channel doesn’t feel like a job. It’s really a way of life.

Q. Were you actively involved with any clubs or student organizations while at FGCU?

  • I worked with Eagle News, the student newspaper, all four years of college and EN really opened up opportunities for me that I would never imagine having like going to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and covering the whole “Dunk City” craze. When you work for EN, interviews are conducted every week with athletes, students, and faculty, which take preparation and good communication skills to get through. I learned how speaking well and at the right time can help people open up and build relationships. Looking back that’s what I miss most is building relationships with the student body and telling the stories within the story.

Q. What was your most memorable communication/public relations class?

  • I loved my Campaign/Capstone class not just because that summed up everything we had learned, but because that was the first time I felt like my work was affecting someone professionally. For years, you take classes and materials don’t really leave the classroom, but I was lucky enough to work with Ultimate Mosaic on a PR plan for unveiling a new mosaic for the Fort Myers area. Some of my ideas may have been used to actually affect the lives of people and to me that’s special.

Q. What is a typical day like for you at The Golf Channel?

  • I go in at 1 a.m. and begin preparing video for the show ahead. Since the hours are unordinary, the day is mostly based off caffeine and adrenaline. We do a 10-hour shift every day and we are nonstop getting b-roll, sound and graphic elements for the show.

Q. What do you enjoy the most about your current job?

  • That it focuses on the game I love. Golf is not a hobby and I take my job very seriously. I spend hours a day researching new topics for the show and it never feels forced and I think everybody should strive to do a job they love and doesn’t feel forced.

Q. What’s the best advice you received while attending college that you took to heart and believe it helped land the job you have today?

  • I think Professor Nulman just drilled into me the focus needed to succeed and interning at a job that I loved and made me reassess my goals of working at Golf Channel. I was able to intern at Golf Channel and FGCU Athletics and I really believe that Nulman’s advice has helped guide me to the career I have today.

Q. What advice would you give to graduating seniors entering the workforce?

  • Prepare for the unexpected. I originally thought I had a job lined up but it fell through just days after graduation. Also, patience is key. The job that you want might not be available right away but you’ve got to stay patient and let things come.

Q. If you could go back and change one thing about your years at FGCU, what would it be?

  • Starting in the communication program from the get-go would’ve been beneficial. I would’ve been much more involved throughout my college career instead of just my last year.

Q. Favorite way to spend your free time now that your undergrad years are behind you?

  • I’m either on the golf course or in the gym most days and, spending time with family.