The Department of Communication, The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Mason Chapter, The Office of Student Media and The Office of Career Services held a compelling evening event on 2/11 that included a Media Panel with speakers from CNN, USA Today, PBS and NewsPebbles (a crowdsourcing start-up). The night was a success with approximately 50 students in attendance. Bridget Bukovich, Mason's SPJ Social Media Director was the moderator for the "How to Find Career Success in Media" panel. Students heard about an array of careers in journalism from the panel, which included: Josh Barnett, the Director of Content at USA Today High School Sports; Karin Caifa, Senior Producer at CNN Newsource; Amy Lust, Senior Associate of Digital Training at PBS and Dr. Brian Colder, Founder of NewsPebbles.
Here are several tips student journalists took from the panel: 1. Students can generate content/news with iPhones or Smartphones 24/7 to stay current. 2. Keep social media sites professional because future employers will look. 3. Focus on storytelling, original reporting and strong writing. The technology will change but the foundation skills will remain crucial. 4. Say "yes" to the job. No matter what it is, say yes. Focus on getting great skills, not necessarily the perfect first job. 5. Create an online resume to highlight your clips and multimedia digital storytelling skills. 6. Set up your Linkedin profile now and begin relationship building before you enter the job market.
February 15, 2015
