Avi’Yam Jordan
MC Practicum Student
Staff Writer
Building your brand, breaking news and being responsible are three Bs of social media that a few prominent journalists use to stay on top of their game.
HBCUs from all over the region congregated at Prairie View A&M University in Houston, Texas to receive a multitude of precious gems about how to become successful in the highly competitive journalism field. Students left with more than knowledge of profession, but received awards, networking contacts and portfolio critiques.
Be persistent but not annoying, go the extra mile, know the terminology and current events or finding a job will become a challenge. CBS TV gatekeeper Charles E. Williams Jr., says, “If someone does not know their terminology they would not get a call back.” In the seminar, “Faces Behind the Lens: The Unseen Jobs” journalist tell students that people will always know who shows up and who slacks. Watching credits, looking up the names in positions you are interested in and contacting leaders of organizations through linked in are promoted ways students can create their own opportunities.
Journalism skills are a great asset in Hollywood. Los Angeles film and television writer Kristen V. Carter tells students that you have to be the hungriest, be willing to give and receive and allow that energy to reciprocate. “Research people and get to know their story. Invite them out for coffee and take an informational. Rather than ask them for a job like everyone else, listen to their journey to get where they are. You can start your career as a freelance journalist.”
The abundance of knowing how to write, edit, take quality photographs, make videos, shoot and anchor are worth more than a pretty face in the media. Social Media and cell phone use are at an all time high, however in Multimedia and Mobile Journalism seminar, students were told to get out of the habit of posting selfies and to post news. “The more you know, the marketable and indispensable you become.” says ABC-13 reporter Richard White.
There is a thin line between being competitive and being cutthroat. Melanie Lawson, ABC Anchor tells students that you will not get a job by having nice hair, nice clothes or by looking pretty by merits. “Constantly update your portfolio, put it together immediately,” says Lawson. “Don’t wait for a phone call, be their an be ready to work. Do more than expected.”
Creating partnerships and barter agreements are strong ways to build a successful team. In the Entrepreneurialism in the Mass Media Industry seminar the values of owning, publishing and copyrighting are the best ways to create a trademark. “If you own something, it will pay you forever. LLC separates rather than Incorporated, with LLC you are the face of your business.” Says Todd Smith, publisher of Regal Magazine.
Networking is key, persistence can find a job and consistency can maintain a career. To not undercharge and know the value of one’s work is another lesson that was learned during the HBCU Media Conference. The experience of attending was engaging, informative and invaluable. To discover that Hollywood is not black and white but green provided insight that it’s not about the appearance but someone can bring to the table. Valuable knowledge from renowned journalists provided aspiring HBCU students the tools and opportunities needed to reach for the stars and become successful.
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