Getting to Know Carrie Cody

Anyone who wants to know what it’s like to work in the field of communications needs to only do one thing, and that is talk with Carrie Cody about her experiences.

This past week, Pace University’s Introduction to News Media class had the opportunity to talk with Cody, the Digital Communications and Strategy Manager for the New York Power Authority. Talking with students, Cody gave a description on different things like her work experience, and what it’s like to be a woman in the workplace.

Starting off her career in politics, Cody worked for Communications in the state Senate, using things like websites and Facebook to get the word out about policy, jobs, and other things. She expressed her thoughts that while social media has its cons of not forcing people to talk to one another anymore, it does allow them to cover stories, give information out while something is happening, and can allow you to develop marketable skills. Having a career in politics, however, made Cody realize she didn’t want to do that for the rest of her life, and eventually left and found her footing with the New York Power Authority, a self funded company not run by the government.

While she has had a successful career in the field, unfortunately, she has also had to endure some challenges because she is a woman. Cody described that being a woman in politics is brutal, and that the pay gap isn’t a mythical thing. To combat the challenges, she suggested to young women students to find mentors and advocates who can vouch and look out for you, because it makes a difference. Similarly, she suggested not to burn bridges with people, because this won’t help you in the long run.

While there are some struggles, Cody says she loves her field not only because it is always going to be necessary and useful, but also because it allows her to do what she loves doing. Giving her advice, this was also the most important thing she advised for students to do- find something you love doing, because it makes your job a lot easier and better.