Tom Schuman

Indiana Chamber of Commerce

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Tom's work combines: Journalism, Business, and Communicating / Sharing Stories

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Senior VP, Communications and Operations

Oversee wide variety of communications for Indiana's largest broad-based business advocacy and information association.

Bachelor's Degree: Journalism

My path in life has been direct

1.
Start writing about high school sports for local newspaper while a high school student.
2.
13-year career in newspapers at various publications. A number of job and responsibility changes to continue to strive to move up the ladder -- both financially and in duties.
3.
Extreme frustration when job became more about deadlines and corporate financial concerns than quality of the work that was being done.
4.
Spent an extended period without a full-time job, working in various capacities to make ends meat.
5.
Began a new, unexpected career at my current employer that has lasted nearly 20 years thus far. Allowed me to greatly expanded my role to a variety of different areas.

THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
Journalism is a low-paying profession and the work being done is often biased.
How I responded:
Passion can often take precedence over pay. Doing something you love is one of the greatest joys you can find. Despite today's turmoil, the role of the media remains crucial. It will always draw criticism from a segment that does not agree. On the financial front, the journalism background and work experience have led me to a communications position for which I am very fairly compensated.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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Planning and budgeting. Know the difference between needs and wants. Work hard to earn the way past financial challenges.

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