Communication Studies

Scot Aitcheson – B.A. 2003

Shortly before graduating in 2003, I accepted a marketing position with a local distributor of forklifts and other material handling equipment.  Being fresh out of the Communication Department, I used the opportunity to develop professionally and gain the real-world insight into communication from a corporate perspective. Utilizing the researching, presentation, & networking skills I developed within the Comm department, I was able to advance quickly gaining an intense exposure to both the sales and operations sides of material handling industry.

I am currently living in Frankfurt, Germany and serving as the Director of Business Development for Nacco Materials Handling Group responsible for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.   As the third largest manufacturer of forklifts in the world, I am tasked to represent our brands and communicate our various product and service offerings across a global array of clients and industries; interfacing with a broad spectrum of unique cultures and business practices. I am often either leading or participating in multicultural teams where language and frames of reference can vary greatly.  The lessons learned within the Comm Studies Department has provided me with the fundamentals to navigate the many challenges that arise as a result.

Ultimately I remain indebted to the department; my instructors, mentors, and fellow students for they collectively provided me with a solid foundation for success. While the course curricula establish the guidelines and key metrics for learning, it is the opportunity one has to practice and demonstrate their proficiency that makes the program successful. The student leaves the department with many intangible qualities that will set their path for success in the long term. Effective communication, ethics, and leadership are in high demand in today’s business world and the graduating Comm Studies student has the skill set to meet or exceed the current standards.

Scot Aitcheson
Director Business Development
NACCO Materials Handling Limited