Blog Post: Ask the Alum: George Diaz, Jr.

Name: George Diaz, Jr.

Job Title/Employer: Senior Public Affairs Representative, Pinnacle West Capital Corporation

Years of Graduation: 1996, 1999

Degrees/Majors: B.A. (Social & Behavioral Sciences), M.P.A.

What is your favorite part of your current job?

I really enjoy being able to learn and work on different kinds of issues. Over the years I've worked on topics from worker’s compensation to criminal justice. Not that I'm an expert in any of them—I usually rely on the folks who work in those professions to tutor me to a level where I can be conversant.

I also take a lot of pride in working on matters that impact people in Arizona.  I'm a native Arizonan with a strong commitment to my community.

What career path did you follow from your ASU degree to your present job?

I interned at the state legislature for one session and it was the greatest experience of my life. I also have never worked so hard for so little (VERY little) money either. Nevertheless, those five months were enough to influence me to change my career plans.

After my internship, I worked at an entry-level position supporting two lobbyists at the Maricopa Community College District. I was fortunate that my boss, Jack Lundsford, was very supportive of developing me professionally.

Since then, I've represented the Arizona Supreme Court/Administrative Office of the Court, the Arizona Attorney General and my current employer, the Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, at the legislature.

I have well over a decade of experience now – it goes by fast!

Describe one skill learned at ASU that you use daily in your job.

Communication skills have to be the most important skills I learned at ASU. This includes written and verbal skills, but most importantly listening.

Sometimes you only get one chance to make your point; it also can be counter-productive to communicate ineffectively. I'm amazed at how often people misunderstand each other and how much work it can be to have to clarify your message after the fact.

Were any ASU-affiliated persons helpful to you in advancing your career?

I give Professor Kristin Koptiuch at the West campus all the credit for me being accepted into the internship that started it all. She hounded me incessantly every day for weeks to complete my application. Dr. Koptiuch's confidence was inspirational. We're still friends to this day.

What advice would you give to current students or job-seekers about finding work in your field?

A graduate's first job out of college should be selected based on the experience the job will provide. Always consider how the job you are considering will provide you with the experience for the next job three years down the road.

Be prepared to start at the bottom and stay there for a while. Never believe a task is beneath you and take on every assignment with a passion to demonstrate your abilities. Humility is a frequently overlooked quality – confidence is OK, but arrogance will not bring you any opportunities.

Potential lobbyists need to understand how much work the industry demands to be effective. It can entail very long, tedious hours of work, completely contrary to the stereotype of glamour and big salaries. It can be a very challenging occupation, particularly when you are advocating for an unpopular position or client. That said, I'm proud to be a professional advocate.