To compete in today’s competitive job market, journalism students must separate themselves from the crowd, said Jay Hicks, Director of New Media at KWTX-TV, during a presentation at Baylor University Thursday.
Journalism graduates must be able to write, network and most of all tell stories, said Hicks who spoke to Dr. Mia Moody Ramirez's reporting and writing class. Hicks owns Raffinitē Interactive Web, a company focused on building online brands and communities. In addition, he is founder and director of a day camp dedicated to teaching at-risk and economically disadvantaged teenagers the basics of web development and design.
“Today’s students have their own tools to be content producers and creators,” he said. "However, in order to be in the game, students must hone their skills."
Hicks, a Baylor business graduate, said the most important skill journalists must have is storytelling via all platforms including Twitter, Facebook and Web design. Most importantly, students must blog on a regular basis.
He discussed two types of blogs: a passion, or “me,” blog to highlight their favorite pastime and a professional blog to demonstrate their skills and abilities. Hicks’ “passion blog” focuses on track and field. It has gained him notoriety and respect in the social media industry.
He discussed two types of blogs: a passion, or “me,” blog to highlight their favorite pastime and a professional blog to demonstrate their skills and abilities. Hicks’ “passion blog” focuses on track and field. It has gained him notoriety and respect in the social media industry.
“When I started the blog, I wasn’t thinking I would be quoted in other media outlets or labeled an expert. It happened on its own,” he said.
He also encourages applicants to have a game plan in place using the skills they have acquired in PR. However, students must be strategic to compete, he added.
“We may get 200 to 400 applicants,” he said. “But if we get a unique resume or a recommendation from someone we know, you may get your foot in door.”
The game plan must include a Facebook page that presents them in a positive light.
“Don’t put anything on there that that you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see,” he joked, encouraging students to be proactive in presenting a professional image on the social media outlet.
The game plan must include a Facebook page that presents them in a positive light.
“Don’t put anything on there that that you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see,” he joked, encouraging students to be proactive in presenting a professional image on the social media outlet.
The most competitive students will be able to manipulate data. For instance, they should know how to edit photos in Photoshop, how to edit video footage and be familiar with all aspects of search engine optimization (SEO). SEO is an important skill for PR practitioners because they must be able to add affective titles to their blogs and websites to help them show up in search engines, he said.
“It is no different from cataloguing at a library. Once you have information, you must be able to promote it using key words, hashtags, etc.”
Finally, Hicks suggests that students should find their passion and jump in.
“The industry will change,” he said. “However, you get your best experience by jumping in and learning things yourself.”
Other tips included:
- Participate in Twitter parties or online chats. For instance, Wjchat is a weekly online chat emphasizing news-related issues. People throw out questions for students and professionals to answer.
- Create a Twitter list and a RSS feed of key players in the media industry. Google people with similar skills and follow them on Twitter. Try to set up an informal interview. Take a Flip camera, and record it and put it on YouTube.
- Have both a creative and a traditional resume. A compelling resume is attractive, intriguing and interactive. It includes photos, QR codes and unique designs. An enhanced resume can use a unique approach such as a slide show or a magazine design layout.
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