Christopher Schobert is the Communications Director for the University at Buffalo Clinical and Translational Science Institute. He is an alumnus of UB and an accomplished communications professional with experience in marketing, higher education, and journalism. Christopher is a nationally recognized film critic and writer for Buffalo Spree magazine, Buffalo Magazine, and several online outlets with worldwide reach, including one of the most popular film sites on the internet, The Film Stage.
1) What do you do as the Communications Director for the University at Buffalo Clinical and Translational Science Institute? What other roles have you had and what was your career path that led you there?
As Communications Director for UB’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), I help tell the story of the CTSI and share its vision to advance and accelerate clinical and translational science to improve the health of our community and the nation. Clinical research impacts all of us, so our CTSI team works to highlight the value of participation in clinical trials for the entire community. Much of my job also involves working with UB’s innovative researchers. On any given day, I might be writing an article for our newsletter, preparing our social media posts, making edits to our website, and connecting with other UB communicators. Every day is different, and every part of my job is satisfying. It is also deeply rewarding to work for an institution focused on making Western New York a healthier, safer place for everyone. I’m very proud to work at the CTSI, and to play a small role in UB’s community efforts. I had an amazing experience at UB as a student, and working for the university was always a goal of mine. I’m so pleased I have had that opportunity at the CTSI.
2) What was your educational background and how did it influence your career path?
I received my B.A. in media study at UB, followed by a master’s in English. As an undergrad, my hope was to work in the film industry. By the time I was in grad school, I planned to teach. My job at UB does not involve film or teaching, but interestingly, both of those experiences — undergrad and grad — ended up connecting directly to my career. When I was in grad school, I started writing book and film reviews for The Buffalo News. I also started writing for a city and regional magazine called Buffalo Spree. Then, after graduating, I spent two years teaching at Buffalo State. During that time, Spree hired me as a part-time editor. I realized my future did not lie in teaching, but happily, my Spree job turned into a full-time gig. I worked at Spree for the next six years as an assistant editor. In the years that followed I worked in legal marketing, higher education marketing, and then as director of communications for a local start-up. But I never stopped writing about film. I still write occasional reviews and features, and I cover the Toronto International Film Festival on-site every September. Over time, my freelance writing expanded to cover music, sports, culture, and a lot more. I have two children, so I’ve often written about things for families to do in Western New York. And I love beer, and have covered local bars and breweries for many years now.
As I look back, I can see that my experiences at UB have connected with every job I have ever had, including my freelance work. So, it’s accurate to say that UB set me on my career path. It has not been a straight line, but I can safely say every job helped me prepare for what came next.
3) What organizations, clubs or internships were you involved in during college?
I was involved with a media study club at UB as an undergrad, and I interned at the now-defunct Empire Sports Network. That was a hands-on production internship, and the experience was fascinating. However, it taught me that I was not interested in a production career. It was fun, but not for me.
4) Looking back, what, if anything, do you wish you would have known when you were just starting out?
Reflecting on my student years today, I wish I’d done one or two additional internships, and in different fields — maybe at an ad agency, or a marketing company. As a student, I had no idea that I would eventually work in marketing and communications. I also wish I’d tried to write for The Spectrum. I didn’t write for a newspaper in high school or college, and I regret not having had those experiences. My first piece of real criticism happened in a class taught by the late Mark Schechner. It was a review of the Jack Nicholson film About Schmidt. He thought I had a real voice, so he recommended me to Jeff Simon at The Buffalo News. I contributed to The News for the next 17 years, and still write for the paper’s magazine, so things worked out well! But I’m sure writing for the university paper as an undergrad would have made me a stronger, more confident writer from the start.
5) What are the biggest challenges that you typically face in your career?
There are only so many communications jobs locally, but there are many incredibly talented people in the field. There is competition for every comm position, and that means how you interview, how you network, and how you position yourself truly matters. That’s a lot of pressure, and it can make the job search extremely difficult.
6) What advice do you have for anyone that would want to pursue a career in working in journalism or communications for an organization?
Stay open-minded. In other words, don’t say, “I’m definitely going to be a writer for XYZ.” What about a communications role, or a marketing position, or a job focused on social media? All require writing skills. Some of the finest writers I know work at local ad agencies. I never imagined I would be in the science field. You just never know, so you must keep an open mind when searching.
It’s also very important to network, and to meet people in your field. I’m guilty of not doing this as often as I should anymore, mainly due to being a parent. Attend workshops and events, especially those sponsored by groups like the Public Relations Society of America Buffalo Chapter and AAF Buffalo. Consider joining those organizations, as well.
I would also say — and this is true of any field — try to think about what sets you apart from other candidates.
7) If a UB student wanted to talk with you, what is the best way to reach you?
Definitely email — either my UB account, schobert@buffalo.com, or my personal email, cschobie@gmail.com. I’m always happy to talk to people interested in film, communications, music — these are my passions, and I love to discuss them!
NOTE: If you are a UB student or alumnus who would like to connect with others to give or get career insights you can join Connect-a-Bull. Interested in sharing your career story with UB students by answering questions like Christopher? Email Ed Brodka, UB Career Design Consultant, at brodka@buffalo.edu
