Media Moguls and Students Unite: UWG’s 43rd Media Day Connects Industry Professionals with Rising Talent Share this page
The University of West Georgia highlighted the importance of bridging student knowledge with real-world application and industry exposure through the School of Communication, Film and Media’s 43rd annual Media Day. At the event, students heard firsthand accounts from various media professionals about their journeys to success and learned about new ways they too can navigate their own path to reaching their career goals.
Sponsored by Georgia Power, Media Day also provided students with opportunities to build connections with media professionals, find mentors, explore internships and enhance their job search. Kelly Williams, clinical assistant professor and Media Day chair, strongly encouraged attendees to recognize the impact this event can have on building professional futures and to seize their opportunity to network with a purpose.
“Media Day is a great opportunity for students because it allows for a springboard of possibility,” she said. “At Media Day, you get out of it what you come looking for, and many people say that this is what sets their career directory in motion.”
Keynote speaker Teresa Whitaker ’85, UWG alumna and anchor/reporter with WRBL News 3 in Columbus, Georgia, kicked off the event with powerful words of wisdom, inspiring students by sharing her journey to success. With spirit-filled energy, she ignited a sense of excitement and motivation in the students, fueling enthusiasm just before the professional table talks ensued.
“I participated in the table talks and that expanded my view of my career horizons,” said mass communications major Leah Smalls. “I met new people and learned about the companies and businesses that I otherwise would not have, if not for Media Day.”
Following the table talks, students networked with the professionals and highlighted how their experiential learning opportunities helped prepare them to start navigating in their careers with confidence. By participating in hands-on learning experiences in their career field prior to graduation, students are able to speak to its impact it has and how it helps hone and develop crucial career skills and build relationships for success.
“I came to Media Day specifically to network, especially with Teresa Whitaker,” explained Allyssa-Faith Dawkins, UWG film and video production major. “I toured her news station, WRBL, with WUTV last semester – it was a really wonderful experience that left a lasting impression.”
Some of the industry professionals expressed their sentiments about Media Day during the networking sessions, noting that UWG students are always prepared and professional, which is part of what keeps them coming back year after year to support SCFM.
And as many students prepare for graduation, they carry with them not just new connections from Media Day, but a deeper understanding of the power of networking in shaping their future careers.
“Media Day is important to me because I get to connect with people and hear their experience,” said Aliyah Barton, mass communication major with a public relations focus. “I can learn how to apply those teachings to my life and hear tips for securing internships and post-graduation success.”
To learn more about Media Day, visit the SCFM website.
photography by Julia Mothersole