The Critic

Eric Harrison recently spoke with advance reporting students about the importance of professionalism. He stated that it is important to be professional at all times and going the extra mile and exceeding expectations on the job is not a bad idea.

Eric Harrison is a movie critic, freelance writer, web developer, and graphic artist. Mr. Harrison's career began at the University of Texas at Austin where he majored in journalism.

Harrison's career did not get off to a good start, he interned at the Austin American Statesman. He went in with the expectation of being hired after the internship.

"The editor took me to lunch he told me we like you and you write well but you did not blow us away" Harrison said.

It is one thing to be confident but being overly confident can kill a dream. Not getting the job from the internship reminded Harrison of when he was in an advanced math class in high school where he knew it all and was a hot shot.

"My teacher took me out of the advance class and put me in a basic course, she said I acted as though I was entitled and things should be given to me" Harrison said.

"I didn't learn my lesson cause I did the same thing at my internship but it was the best thing that happened to me" Harrison said.

When you first get a job go in professionally but be cautious because you are being watched. Harrison compared himself to some of his colleagues saying how great they wrote and that he could never be as great as them.

Harrison got the recognition he wanted from his fellow colleagues at the Star-Telegram.

"When I walked in that morning Lena Williams said there he is and she and the editor applauded me on my first story about Valentine's Day" Harrison said.

"In the end they were rooting for me" Harrison said.

Professional dress is a must. Start putting together a profile to display your work. Always be on time if you cannot be on time call. Harrison's work includes writing for the Los Angeles Times,Philadelphia Inquirer, Houston Chronicle, and Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Harrison is the editor of MovieHouston.com.