Journalism 101: Career Workshop

The Baton Rouge Area Association of Black Journalists presented the Journalism 101 Career Development Workshop on November 6 in Stewart Hall. The event was open to both Southern and Louisiana State University students.
Even though there were only a total of seven students the program began shortly after 1.
“Mass communications and Journalism are two things that are big to me, I see it every day,” said Cheryl Stroye, Vice President of BRAABJ and morning producer of WBRZ Channel 2 “I also see students everyday and I always ask what did you learn and people don’t know. BRAABJ is here to help our young black journalist get that job in journalism, and to teach those little things that you all can’t learn in the classroom,” finished Stroye as she went on to introduce the guest speaker.
“I haven’t had the opportunity to meet her in person until today, but I now have the privilege to introduce to you our guest speaker Deedra Wilson, an anchor from NBC Local 33 in Baton Rouge, please help me welcome her,” said Stroye.
“I am very happy to be here at the Southern University, I’ve heard so much about Southern even though I went to Texas Southern,” said Wilson.
Wilson began her informational speech with how she started in the journalism field.
“I was going to TSU studying law, I wanted to be an attorney, but then someone said you have a great voice, you should go into broadcasting. So I had a friend whose wife worked at a gospel radio station in Houston and I asked if he can put me on air, and he responded saying when can you come down? And then after that I started working on weekends, then I was full time,” finished Wilson.
Wilson mentioned that it is important to network, for this was the way she received several jobs, by knowing someone that knew someone.
Wilson went on to tell students that times are changing and to be aware of the headline stories and be able to hold a conversation.
“I will admit I failed my first current event test that was given to me during my first interview. Even though I failed the test I was still offered the position, and I asked my director why did you give me the job and he responded saying, I see something in you, but I do want you to go home and answer all of these questions correctly.”
When asked of her years of experience Wilson answered saying “It has been quite a long time, I’ve been in the business for almost 20 years.”
Wilson also shared that the money is not the best when you start out as a journalist, and that you have to be willing to move.
“I have had to move around, at the time I had a four year old daughter and a mother who retired early to help me with my daughter as I pursued my career, I had to support my family,” said Wilson.
After speaking Wilson gave each student a handout with tips to success, and mentioned “I typed this up today, b ut I want you guys to read this and use this whenever you need advice or help on how to get your first job or internship,” said Wilson.
Students were allowed to ask questons and the event ended with refreshments and closing remarks from BRAABJ President Michelle McCalope.
“We are very happy to put on this event to help the students gain a career in this industry. We want you all to be successful and we thank you all for coming,” finished McCalope.