Chase Cain among seven Grady College alumni inducted into UGA’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2018
The University of Georgia’s Alumni Association annually recognizes outstanding alumni who have made an impact in their careers through its 40 Under 40 program. Grady College is proud to have seven honorees in the 40 Under 40 Class of 2018: Brooke Bowen (ABJ ‘07, JD ‘10), Chase Cain (ABJ ’05), Meredith Dean (ABJ ‘14), Josh Delaney (ABJ’11, AB ‘11), Ivey Evans (ABJ ’06, BBA ’06, MBA ‘13), Quanza Griffin (ABJ ‘01) and Lauren Pearson (ABJ ‘02).
Selections were based on the graduates’ commitment to a lifelong relationship with UGA and their impact in business, leadership, community, artistic, research, educational and/or philanthropic endeavors. The 2018 Class will be honored at the awards luncheon on Sept. 13 at the Georgia Aquarium.
Grady College will release profiles of the winners leading up to the awards luncheon.
Name: Chase Cain
Graduation Year: 2005
Current Occupation: Creative Producer, Hulu
What advice do you have for current Grady College students/young professionals?
Every industry represented in Grady College is shifting and evolving at an increasingly rapid pace. First, be flexible. Second, think ahead. What’s the job you want to have at 25 or 30? Then consider what your “next best right step” will best position you for that goal. Yes, I just quoted Oprah! Sadly, many professional recruiters lack the imagination to consider that you could handle a role without the direct experience or qualifications. Also, most recruiters are inundated with applicants for a single role and an ever-growing workforce. Make their job so easy that it doesn’t require any imagination on their part to envision you as the perfect fit for the job you really want. That may require a short-term sacrifice for the long-term goal.
What experience during your time at Grady College had the biggest influence on where you are today?
What was initially a setback became the most valuable lesson I took from Grady. The programs may have different titles now, but the experience is evergreen. I originally applied for admission as a “Broadcast News” major but was denied! Instead, I was offered a spot as a “Telecommunications Arts” student. No sir. That wasn’t what I wanted to do, and I certainly wasn’t going to come so close to my dream to be deterred now. I wanted to be in front of the camera in a newsroom, and this was the major to prepare me for that role. I specifically chose UGA and Grady College for its outstanding broadcast program and faculty. What did I do? Asked for an in-person meeting with the dean of Grady College at the time. After some persistence with his assistant, they finally gave me the time, and I didn’t waste that opportunity. I prepared a pitch, practiced it and delivered it flawlessly in only a few minutes. Needless to say, two years later, I graduated with a Broadcast News degree — and with a GPA putting me on the Dean’s List. After being named to UGA’s 40 Under 40, I would imagine anyone at Grady would agree that never yielding from your dreams is always the right decision.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned as you’ve navigated through your career?
I’ve learned that I must clearly and directly ask for what I really want. No one else can read your mind, and you can’t count on anyone to detect subtle signals. If you want something specific, ask for it! Sure, maybe they say no, but at least they now know what you want. Retired Grady Professor David Hazinski once gave me some terrific advice. He told me that I can ask 100 people for the job I really want, and that I should be prepared to hear “no” 99 times. He impressed upon me, “you only need one person to say yes. Why do you care what everyone else says?” It’s an excellent reminder to fervently chase your dreams and to never be discouraged by obstacles. It only takes one “yes,” no matter how many setbacks precede it.
Date: August 3, 2018Editor: Jessica Twine, jdt86350@uga.edu