Inside…
HU J-School Host Annual Career Days
Sue Porter speaks to students during luncheon
On Jan. 28-29, Hampton University’s Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications hosted their annual Scripps Career Days. The two day event allowed students to interview for internships, network with media professionals, and hear advice regarding working in the media industry.
On Jan. 28, Jodi Beck, director of the Scripps Howard Foundation Semester in Washington Program in Washington, D.C., joined students for the Semester in Washington Information Session. Semester in Washington is an internship program for aspiring journalists that gives interns the opportunity to cover stories for news organizations across the country and explore journalism and government institutions while residing in the nation’s capitol.
The following day, Scripps Howard welcomed four media professionals as panelists to share their expertise during the afternoon seminar entitled, “Making My Place in Multimedia.” Morning Reporter and fill-in anchor Sherri Johnson from WMAR-TV in Baltimore, Md., Senior Specialty Producer Donella Crawford from WXYZ-TV in Detroit, Mich., Human Resources Manager Ernie Hayes and Data Projects Manager Lawan Williams, both from E.W. Scripps Company, joined students in the Robert P. Scripps Auditorium where they discussed the impact that multimedia has on the industry. The session ended with a brief question and answer session where the panelist shared more advice.
Ernie Hayes speaks during seminar
One important piece of advice given to the audience by Hayes was, “Clean up your Facebook pages.”
“I can tell you that employers do look at them,” he said.
Panelists then joined students in the Hampton University Student Center Ballroom for a Mix n’ Mingle Speed Luncheon. During the luncheon, students moved from table to table where they were given the chance to discuss topics and issues with different panelists.
Senior public relations major Justin Washington from Cedartown, Ga., enjoyed lunch while speaking with Johnson of WMAR-TV. “She shared a lot about her past and the experiences she encountered that led her to being a reporter. I realized that a strong drive and passion for your job will eventually bring you to success,” Washington said.
Kristan McCann, a junior public relations major from Detroit, Mich., shared a table with Sue Porter, vice-president/programs of Scripps Howard Foundation.
Top:Rosalynne Whitaker- Heck, Sue Porter,
Drew Berry, Jodi Beck, Bottom:Donella
Crawford, Ernie Hayes, Sherrie Johnson and
Lawan Williams
“She reassured us that we would be ok after graduation. If I don’t want to go to graduate school after I graduate, then that’s ok, I can still get a job instead,” said McCann.
Career Days ended with students interviewing for the chance to be one of six students to receive a $3,000 internship scholarship with Scripps Howard Foundation. Students patiently waited outside Scripps Howard classrooms for their chance to interview with Sue Porter or one of the panelists. Students also interviewed for the Semester in Washington internship.
- Ronda Bryant