Fred Cook, chief executive officer of Chicagobased public relations firm GolinHarris, spoke on March 7, 2013 to Moody College of Communication students at The University of Texas at Austin.

Giving advice to students from the Department of Advertising and Public Relations, Cook offered his perspective on how to build a successful communications career.

"I hope the students will feel reassured that there is more than one path to success, and that stepping outside their comfort zone will expand their horizons and help them in their careers," Cook said.

Cook has worked at GolinHarris for more than 25 years, starting as an account supervisor in the company's Los Angeles office and eventually becoming chief executive officer in Chicago. He has worked with clients such as Amazon, Disney and Southwest Airlines.