Southern Centre held its third annual “Working in journalism” event at Southampton Solent University in late November.
It was attended by 180 students and staff from Solent, Bournemouth, Winchester and Portsmouth universities, as well as Highbury College, Portsmouth.
On hand to offer advice were 15 journalism professionals at varying stages of their careers, from the just qualified to experienced programme editors and producers.
The professionals emphasised the importance of multi-tasking in the online world and of producing effective material for mobile media.
They also stressed the value of would-be journalists improving their personal understanding of current affairs in order to interpret the world to others. Only a few hands went up when the students were asked how many had checked out the major news stories that day.
It is such touches of realism that make the event popular with the students, who appreciate how the experts’ practical advice adds to their classroom learning. That and the chance to talk informally with a wide range of professionals.
