Hi, I am Molly Phillips. I am one of those odd people who has spent their entire career at one organization. I started at Iowa PBS in 1990 working as an accounting clerk in the business office. Since then, I have held a handful of different positions, including Director of Communications for 15 years, before being promoted to my current position. I am currently the Executive Director and General Manager. I have held this position for eight years.
Now you might expect me to say how this is the place I always wanted to work, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Iowa PBS was not on my radar at all after I graduated college, but I knew I had to get a job. Literally my goal was to get a job and get benefits… Period. I really didn’t know what I wanted to do for a living or what even interested me. Remember… get a job, that was it!
I thought I would look for some accounting type job with my brand new business administration degree. While still a student, I had an internship with the Racing and Gaming Commission with the State of Iowa. Since I had worked for the state before, I had access to see state job postings before the general public. I can’t remember how many jobs I applied for, but I do remember getting the call about an interview with Iowa PBS. I was so excited, but incredibly naive. I did absolutely no research about Iowa PBS. I knew nothing, even though I grew up watching public television and Mister Rogers was a very important person in my life as a child. I didn’t even know it was the public TV network for Iowa. Luckily, the interviewer didn’t ask me the usual questions… what’s your favorite show, what do you know about the station, etc. Yikes!! Somehow I got the position.
And then it all came together! I quickly learned my job, and more importantly began learning about this amazing organization. We do what? We create how much? We change people’s lives? They learn English from watching our channel? Iowa children learn how much from us? It was truly endless. I learned so much! There were times I would go find colleagues and quiz them to verify that what I learned was actually true. I thought maybe someone was trying to trick the new employee. It was such remarkable information, I just couldn’t believe it all. I would go home and rattle off statistics to my husband and then say, how do people not know about this incredible place?
And that’s how my work “love story” began. Fast forward 30 years and I am still here and can’t imagine working anywhere else. We still do all those things I learned all those years ago, and so much more. I have had the opportunity to advocate for Iowa PBS by talking with State of Iowa Legislators and our Iowa Congressional delegation. As I often told them, “How can people not love public media?” We offer something for everyone, and yes, we change lives every single day.
I have definitely found my passion, even though I had no idea where to begin looking for it when I applied for my first job 30 years ago. But my success is not all to my credit. I also work with the most passionate, caring and driven staff. I am in awe of so much of their work. I also couldn’t have the career I’ve had without some incredibly kind, patient but brutally honest mentors over the years. The best advice I can share with young professionals is to reach out and network with your peers in public media. Not only will you find a welcome ear from folks who share your interests, your goals and sometimes your frustrations, who can provide helpful experience and advice along with encouragement and moral support… You will find lifelong friends. As I tell my own kids… find your passion and you will be happy.
Looking to connect with Molly Phillips to learn more about her experience or obtain additional career advice? Email her today at: molly@iowapbs.org.
