Pam Tapscott-Lassiter, ’80 : Business Development Representative, Comcast
What was your path to graduation at The Ohio State University?
I came in thinking I was going to do education after doing orientation and meeting with different people. Eventually, I got into the field of journalism. Every day is never the same, and I thought if I wanted it to be a life-long career it would be different.
Why do you support the Office of Diversity and Inclusion?
I knew Dr. (Frank) Hale very well. He was my unofficial mentor. I can't recall a time I didn't walk into the Hale Center, and I didn't see him. The advice he bestowed upon me helped me grow. He would say, “OK if this doesn't work, try this. If that doesn't work, try that.” He kept saying, “Find your rhythm, find your beat.”
What do you do now?
My goal is that Comcast will be the last job I have. I'm hoping I'm blessed to stay here and meet my goals. I'm in business development in my area; my focus is on bringing the Internet to rural and underserved communities in my market.
What is your advice for current students?
Be flexible. I know we all come to school with a career path in mind but know it's OK to branch out. Be like a tree. Constantly stay on the learning curve and reinvent yourself. Understand that your first job is not your last job. It may take a while to find what your niche is.