Alivia Welch
Managing Editor
For the first time in history, Mississippi Association of Broadcasters (MAB) held a student conference at the Mississippi E-Center. More than 200 media major students across the state gathered to hear from professionals in the industry.
Various topics and possible job opportunities were discussed in different breakout rooms throughout the day.
Students took away countless information and said this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Joshua Edwards, a senior journalism media studies major from Tulsa, Okla. said that networking with professionals can increase job opportunities for young adults seeking positions in the media business.
“These types of events are important for us because they can open doors that sometimes our resumes cannot,” said Edwards. “It’s vital for students to build that connection.”
He also said he learned about self-branding and the importance of enjoying humble beginnings that are sometimes overlooked by experience.
Jaylin Smith, a first-year graduate student at the University of Mississippi majoring in journalism and new media, said that media conferences like this are necessary as a black woman to dominate in the industry.
“Exposure is important so you can see the companies and organizations you want to be a part of and be able to acknowledge that they’re not as far as they may seem,” said Smith. “Networking and connecting with people that may not look like you and I, can push and challenge each other for greater (opportunities) in the media.”
She also said that the Connect to Affect: Relationships that Lead to Success, break out session taught by Melissa Boswell Townsend, was very informative.
“It allowed me to understand how brainstorming really helps with cultivating ideas, as far as ideas you put into the media for storytelling,” Smith said.
She also said it was engaging and allowed her an idea of thought- processing and how she interacts with others.
Another breakout session, The Winning Message: How to Write Copy that Works, was taught by Blake Levine and Brett Kenyon.
Levine, Sports Director at WJTV in Jackson, Miss., said in his session students learned how to write and be interesting, informative and keep viewer’s attention. He also said that conventions as such great for media students.
“I wish I had this when I was younger, you not only get to meet people but you also get to learn and meet your peers and could help with getting a job in the future,” Levine said.
News stations with urgent job openings attended the conference as well.
Michelle Martin, a multimedia journalist, producer and anchor for WTVA located in Columbus, Miss., said that her station is seeking new faces.
“We’re looking for creative minds, team players and openminded people who are ready to work,” said Martin.
Other professionals within the media industry were in attendance including Brittany Bright, a content creator and an influencer marketing executive.
Bright focused on black content creators getting the proper exposure and acknowledgment within the media realm.
“I feel like creators of Mississippi don’t get the recognition we deserve for being trendsetters and creative,” said Bright.
She added, “I think that being here today, I’m giving people the opportunity to learn, whether it’s building a business or legally, how to read contracts.”
She is also is the founder of The Influencer League, an organization that teaches people of color who are influencers how to build their brands and secure brand deals and strategically grow their following.
The Influencer League is accepting 1,000 student applicants from people of color who live in the U.S. and are 18 years old and older.
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