Presenting at a career-related workshop or conference: 5 points

                                

On February 5th, I participated in the “Media Makers: Inside Journalism, Storytelling, & Digital Press” panel hosted by The Blueprint and Future Business Leaders of Spelman. On this panel, I spoke about my experience as a production intern with the CBS Evening News last summer– I talked about why I became interested in the journalism field and how I got involved, explained what my “day in the life” typically looked like, and provided advice for aspiring journalists seeking to build their portfolios. I spoke on the panel alongside Blair Martin, co-Editor-in-Chief of the Blueprint, podcast host and acclaimed journalist Danielle Cadet, and Jessica Cruel, the Editor-in-Chief of Allure and SELF. I loved hearing about my fellow panelists’ experiences as well as their advice for attendees. They spoke about the importance of embracing different media in a constantly evolving journalistic landscape (podcast, video/social media, etc.), as well as the importance of putting yourself out there and constantly advocating for yourself. Even asking someone you admire to shadow them, and showing your commitment and initiative in the process, can lead to an experience you would’ve never anticipated. While the task of securing a job post-grad in a difficult job market and tumultuous industry, I left the panel feeling inspired and reassured that all will work out, and that I should not let difficult circumstances deter me from further pursuing my passion and purpose. To build on this experience, I plan on keeping in contact with both Cruel and Cadet as I prepare to graduate and enter the professional world. -Nila Roper