Name: David Anderson
Job Title/Employer: Co-Founder/Managing Partner, Off-Madison Ave
Year of Graduation: 1988
Degree/Major: B.S./Finance
 
What is your favorite part of your current job?
I enjoy the variety of things I deal with on a daily basis.  Every day is different and I enjoy that and find it challenging.
 
What career path did you follow from your ASU degree to your present job?
I did lots of different things.  After leaving ASU, I took some time off and worked at a local bar/restaurant. 

After a few months of that, I moved to Washington, D.C., where I worked in a variety of government positions. This included jobs as a legislative staffer for a United States congressman, serving in senior staff positions for two presidential commissions and working with the White House as a lead advance representative for President George W. Bush (for whom I still continue to travel). 

Meanwhile, in 1993 I returned to Arizona, where I started the Phoenix office of a Washington-based public relations firm. After several years in that position, I went to another agency for a short period of time.  I founded Off Madison Ave in 1998 with a business partner.

In addition to Off Madison Ave, I am a partner in Sermo Media, a traditional and digital publishing company, and I am involved in several real estate ventures.

Describe one skill learned at ASU that you use daily in your job.
During my time at ASU, I learned many valuable lessons that have proven to be very beneficial.  While the traditional classroom work provided a great foundation for my future career, some of the greatest skills learned where those obtained through the non-classroom work.  This included participation in the Greek system, intramural sports, group classroom learning exercises and student government involvement. I learned many people skills in these activities that are invaluable. 

Were any ASU-affiliated persons helpful to you in advancing your career?
When I decided to move to Washington, D.C., I did not know a single person.  I made a call to a friend – (former Tempe Mayor and ASU employee) Neil Giuliano – who put me in touch with an ASU alum there.  This person (I think his name was Mark) was excellent.  He let me stay in his house the first few weeks there until I found permanent housing.

What advice would you give to current students or job-seekers about finding work in your field?
Seek career-related internships!  You need real-world experience to mix with what is taught in the classroom.