Finding success in communications
By: Krista Schleich
Tags: Engagement, Communication, Journalism, Interview, Features

Krista Schleich: Introduce yourself! Who are you? Where are you from? What is your family like? Who is Tiffany Pettigrew?

Tiffany Pettigrew: Hello! I’m Tiffany. I’m from here in Pueblo, Colorado. I have an amazing husband and two fantastic dogs. Here in Pueblo, I’m surround with my family, mom and dad brother and sister in-law. I’m a junior at Colorado State University-Pueblo studying mass communications with an emphasis in integrated communications. I am serving as Pueblo Bulls Hockey Club’s director of staffing in their inaugural year.

KS: What and where are you studying? How did you decide on going to that university?

TP: I’m studying mass communications at CSU-P. After being away for three years, I knew I wanted to stay close to family while I decided to continue my education.

KS: Is your major something you’ve always wanted to get into? What made you decide to go into communications?

TP: No, actually! I didn’t even know I could study such a broad field. I was actually in my last semester at Pueblo Community College when I was stuck between going into social work or communications. I was so shocked at what it all included. It’s a skill that every organization or business needs to be successful.

KS: What prior experiences do you have that are related to your field of study?

TP: I actually did a lot of volunteer work while my husband, Chris, was in the Army. I was doing things like in/outreach coordinating for local ministry group. I loved being able to get the word out and letting people know the resources that were available to them. I also worked at an amazing church in Temple, Texas, it was there that I realized communications was something I was super interested in.

KS: What are your goals, or what are you trying to achieve with your major once you graduate?

TP: I would love to contribute to some local non-profit groups here in the area. I remember being younger and thinking about how I couldn’t wait to get out of Pueblo, but now after moving away and coming back, I realize how unique of an area this is and I want to contribute to its growth.

KS: You found work with the Pueblo Bulls Hockey Club. What is your title and what are your duties with the team?

TP: Yes! I am their director of staffing. I make contact with people who are interested in supporting the team by volunteering in various positions. I also fill in when we are short staffed and help make sure everyone coming in through the doors is having the best experience they can have. It’s awesome to see hockey thrive in Pueblo.

KS: What would you say is your favorite part about your position with the Bulls?

TP: The fans and my team. When we moved back, I was in this weird situation where I didn’t have friends outside of my family. Volunteering with the Bulls has allowed me to find people with the same interest which makes it so much fun. Whether it’s joking around with our security people, catching up with our lobby team, or chatting with fans, there’s always a genuine connection.

KS: Has this position helped you decide on what you want to do once you graduate? Or has it helped you decide what you do not want to do once you graduate?

TP: It has! I realized how many opportunities can come from a small organization like the Bulls. I’ve always loved hockey and I can’t want to expand that love and share it with others.