Second Panel Story

         Relying on one talent isn’t enough to survive in the mass media world but having experience in each field will make any student a triple threat in this cutthroat industry.

          A group of Clark Atlanta University Students are preparing to be apart of the Jacque Reid internship and got the perspectives of a few mass media professionals and their experience in the industry.

        The panelists included: ESPN Reporter, Anthony White; Chanel 11 Alive Anchor, DeMarco Morgan; Atlanta Journal Constitution Reporter, Marcus Garner; and WCLK Jazz 91.9 FM Operations Director; Rob Maynard discussed the key points that will prepare any mass media arts student for a successful career.

         Morgan emphasized how being a student doesn’t mean you have to have an undergraduate mentality because when tackling internships its important to act like a professional and groom yourself for the career you want to attain. “Your career starts now,” Morgan said

         While applying for different jobs or internships, keep in mind that the company’s first impression is based solely off a person’s resume.  “When you go into the job market your resume is you,” Garner said. He explained how a person resume is his or her ticket to get their foot in the door of a company. Everything a person puts on their resume has to be the most impressive work and how they attribute to you accomplishments. The purpose of a resume is to stand out amongst everyone who is applying for the same position.

         Each field of mass media requires extraordinary writing skills. Maynard describes how in radio, writing a broadcast story begins with a catchy lead likewise for print journalism because the audience only gets 30 seconds to get as much information about a story.                           

     “A catchy lead will instantly stop your reader.”  "The lead should grab the person’s attention immediately and convey emotion," Morgan said

         “Just because you’re students doesn’t mean you don’t have to carry yourself professionally,” White said. He describe a situation where he taught reporting workshops at Clark Atlanta University and his students would get intimated when they run into major news crews, while investigating a story. White insisted how his students were just as skilled to report the story, and that takes confidence and self-assurance how to approach a situation.

         There is no room for weak individuals in this field, because everyone is looking for the best. “You have to be like the man who owns the car shop, works on the cars, and sales the cars,” Morgan said.

         A career in mass media comes with a lot of self-growth, but the beauty of working in this industry are the life lessons a person can use towards his or her professional development.