Brand Yourself With Digital Tools, Experts Tell Journalists
3 min read
Edith CHUKU
Media experts have emphasized the need for Journalists to advertise and brand themselves using digital tools.
They stated this and more at a one-day virtual workshop for Journalists, organized by the Step-Up for Women in Journalism Initiative SWII, with support from the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism WSCII.
In the seminar tagged; Career Roadmap for 2024,” the experts tasked participants on the need to build and develop a career road map that will enable them reach their peak.
They also harped on the need for journalists to identify and create a nitch for themselves.
Addressing Journalists at the training, the guest speaker, who is the Managing Director of National Point Newspaper, Ibiba Don-Pedro, explained that starting right, developing inner strength and determination are some of the boosters for achieving career targets.
Don-Pedro, who is an award-winning journalist encouraged reporters to do great reports that will sell their talents to the media audience.
She went further to share her experience as a former reporter in the Guardian Newspaper Limited. According to her, “I soared with courage. I want to urge you all to go for knowledge and be courageous. It is not about gender, but who you are.
“Tell yourself you can, empower yourself, your subconscious is as good as anybody, build yourself and empower yourself, be tough.
“When you are in the media space, do great work, have confidence and defend your right.”
On his part, the Executive Director, Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin, charged journalists to remain focused even when they fail to meet targets.
Otufodunrin said; “if for any reason you have missed target, you are not alone but try to get back on track. Document what you want to achieve, drop excess baggage, be bold to take back steps, check regularly, have accountability partner and be ready for a change.
“It is important to be strategic about your career, have a career roadmap it will aid your growth.”
He further encouraged journalists to develop quality relationship and build mutual respect. “You have to pay your dues in the media sector and do what is right to grow.”
Also speaking, the winner of the Female Reporters Leadership Programme by the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism, Mrs. Ann Godwin, explained that the training was aimed at bridging the gap between setting goals and working towards achieving them.
Godwin who is the leader of the SWIJ expressed the regret that journalists often set lofty goals at the beginning of the year but fail to take conscious steps towards achieving them, adding that failure to achieving set goals often lead to discouragement and feelings of depression.
She said “laziness, lack of focus and refusal to push oneself are some hindrances to achieving career goals. Some persons are hitches to themselves due to lack of self-push.
“In getting your road map clear, no gree for yourself this year. You must put pressure on yourself. Don’t wait for anybody. You shouldn’t be distracted by issues that does not tie to your purpose.”
While applauding the WSCIJ for its relentless support in building formidable media and outstanding journalists in Nigeria and for supporting SWIJ initiatives, Godwin further expressed optimism that the training will spur journalists to set clear goals, work towards achieving them with buoyant results at the end.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the Programme Manager of WSCIJ, Mr. Samson Ademola congratulated Godwin and SWIJ for the initiative.
He noted that over the years, the WSCIJ has helped journalists achieve their career goals, even as he highlighted the need for journalists to identify their nitch, pointing out that technology has brought about change in media consumer expectations.
The workshop drew participants from academics, students of mass communication, media professionals, public relations officers, media enthusiasts among others.
