Globe-Trotter's Perspective Joseph V. Bogardus '69 brings his views on international business to an eager audience. "Of all the Western economies, America's is the best positioned to benefit from the global shift." So said Joseph V. Bogardus '69, who returned to campus last autumn as the keynote speaker for International Network Night '97. At the time of his visit, Bogardus was the director of marketing communications for the Europe, Africa, and Middle East region of the Eastman Kodak Company. In January he assumed a new position as director of marketing communications for the company's Latin American region. During his visit to Ithaca, Bogardus participated in a number of discussions for classes in the business and communications schools. He spoke on many topics, among them international advertising, expatriate compensation, "gray" marketing (targeting the growing senior citizen consumer base), and Kodak's hierarchical structure of subsidiaries and distribution channels in his region. His keynote address, "Getting a Job in a Global Economy," was full of practical insights for students on preparing for entering the global arena, as well as anecdotes from Bogardus's career. Bogardus zeroed in on specific ways for college students who are interested in working abroad to make themselves attractive to potential employers. He shared information on a variety of international opportunities. He pointed out the importance of having outstanding grades but also stressed the necessity of networking and the importance of international internships. "Internships work," said Bogardus. "Placements in organizations related to your career field can supply you with an entry into an organization that may hire you." He used himself as an example. "My grades were mediocre at best, but I was involved in the Ithaca College community, had a part-time job with a newspaper, and did volunteer work with a local Miss America pageant. When I left South Hill I had my degree in television-radio, writing experience from my job as a journalist, and hands-on experience in promotion and publicity from the local pageant. This combination led to a half-dozen job offers and launched me on the pathway that has brought me full circle to be with you here tonight." Bogardus was indeed actively involved in campus life. While he was at Ithaca he was also vice president of the Student Government Association, chairman of the committee to name the residence halls in the lower quad, student representative on the presidential search committee (which selected Ellis Phillips Jr.), disk jockey on WICB, and color commentator on WICB Bomber basketball broadcasts. He was also voted a "top ten senior." Bogardus traveled throughout Europe after graduation. He then worked for a series of advertising agencies in Rochester, followed by successive positions at major regional corporations, including Bausch and Lomb and Champion Sportswear. In 1985 Bogardus joined Eastman Kodak, where he held a series of positions and in 1992 was named director of marketing communications for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East-Kodak's second largest marketing region (after the United States and Canada). While balancing an increasingly demanding career and a busy family life, Bogardus has been a guest lecturer at the University of Rochester, St. John Fisher College, and the Rochester Institute of Technology. He has also run intern and mentoring programs at the State University of New York College at Brockport, St. John Fisher, and Nazareth College. He has long been actively involved with the Ithaca College London Center as both a regular speaker and an internship host. Bogardus's Ithaca visit was presented by the International Network Night Committee, whose participating members are from the Roy H. Park School of Communications and the School of Business and the Offices of Career Planning and Placement, Corporate and Foundation Relations, and International Programs. Ithaca's three other schools also contributed. "Joe's support of his alma mater is greatly appreciated," said Mike McGreevey, former director of the Ithaca London Center and now with the college relations and resource development office. "He has not only been a model internship supervisor for numerous Ithaca College students, but he also always finds time to assist the College with admissions, alumni relations, and various other activities." Immediately following the address, Bogardus and alumni from the Southern Tier-including W. Michael Driscoll '72, president and chief executive officer of Smith Corona Corporation-networked with the students and community members in attendance. Students commented that they were pleased to interact with Bogardus and gain his perspective and input on their career paths. "I interned with Joe Bogardus when I was at the London Center," said Tina Mercandante '98, a TV-R major who plans a career in advertising. "He was very supportive and has personally helped me out in my career search. Did you know he uses only Ithaca College interns all during the school year? That really means a lot." Photo by Mike McGreevey
	Table of Contents ICQ Home Page