Spring Break
UA prof. finds niche through hard work
Profile from The Hill
Allen Moseley
Issue date: 4/7/04 Section: News
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Surveying his work, both nationally and abroad, Purvis said the major catalyst for his success has been his undying focus on pursuing his career.
"Early in my life, I developed a strong interest in politics [and] international relations," he said. "I kept focused in those areas. I tried to pursue things that would enable me to combine my different areas of interest."
Among Purvis' greatest professional strengths is his never-ending pursuit to get the job done, no matter what the assignment.
"If I take on something, I am strongly connected to it," Purvis said.
In fact, Purvis' focus has been a double-edged sword.
Because of his intense pursuits doing what he loved, his efforts are often in high demand.
"I have always had more than a full plate," Purvis said. "I always want to keep busy."
Outside of his professional life, Purvis' greatest personal achievement has been raising two daughters as a single parent. Both have become very successful, Purvis said.
Juggling so many time-draining activities is tricky business. Learning to manage his time has been a continually developing process, Purvis said. He points to his roots in journalism as a major reason for his ability to manage so many different things effectively.
Those with high demands on their time should always try to look ahead and plan for future diversions so they don't get caught off guard, he said. Journalists learn this skill early in their careers, he said.
"Journalism is a series of deadlines," Purvis said, adding that writers are among the best in the world at working under pressure. "It's something that everyone has to do."
Above all, Purvis attributes his success - and the good fortune of all successful people - to the ability to do what he loves everyday.
The greatest advice for any student is to pursue a career that is interesting and inspiring every single day, Purvis said.
"I've always done things that I really liked," Purvis said. "I always wanted to go to work."
Many times, however, the perfect career will not offer itself immediately after graduation, Purvis said, which is why it is important to take risks.
"Be willing to start small, even if you can only get your foot in the door. If you seize the opportunity, you will get a chance to prove yourself," he said. "Prove what you can do. The rest will take care of itself."
"Early in my life, I developed a strong interest in politics [and] international relations," he said. "I kept focused in those areas. I tried to pursue things that would enable me to combine my different areas of interest."
Among Purvis' greatest professional strengths is his never-ending pursuit to get the job done, no matter what the assignment.
"If I take on something, I am strongly connected to it," Purvis said.
In fact, Purvis' focus has been a double-edged sword.
Because of his intense pursuits doing what he loved, his efforts are often in high demand.
"I have always had more than a full plate," Purvis said. "I always want to keep busy."
Outside of his professional life, Purvis' greatest personal achievement has been raising two daughters as a single parent. Both have become very successful, Purvis said.
Juggling so many time-draining activities is tricky business. Learning to manage his time has been a continually developing process, Purvis said. He points to his roots in journalism as a major reason for his ability to manage so many different things effectively.
Those with high demands on their time should always try to look ahead and plan for future diversions so they don't get caught off guard, he said. Journalists learn this skill early in their careers, he said.
"Journalism is a series of deadlines," Purvis said, adding that writers are among the best in the world at working under pressure. "It's something that everyone has to do."
Above all, Purvis attributes his success - and the good fortune of all successful people - to the ability to do what he loves everyday.
The greatest advice for any student is to pursue a career that is interesting and inspiring every single day, Purvis said.
"I've always done things that I really liked," Purvis said. "I always wanted to go to work."
Many times, however, the perfect career will not offer itself immediately after graduation, Purvis said, which is why it is important to take risks.
"Be willing to start small, even if you can only get your foot in the door. If you seize the opportunity, you will get a chance to prove yourself," he said. "Prove what you can do. The rest will take care of itself."
