Mass Communication Department
Departmental News
Departmental News
Posted 3/19/08
Several mass communication students from University of North Carolina Asheville recently learned business skills at a workshop forum held in Charlotte.
"We got to talk to people who were professionals in the news broadcast industry," said Heather Thompson, a 22-year-old senior and crew member of Mountain Highlight at University of North Carolina Asheville (UNCA). "They taught us that you have to have an internship if you want to get a job in mass communication."
The event, held on February 9 at WCNC studios in Charlotte, was organized by local chapters of the Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA). It is a biannual event that gives students in the area a chance to experience hands-on techniques utilized in electronic journalism. RTNDA is the world's largest professional organization devoted exclusively to electronic journalism, according to their website.
"Any chance you have to talk to professionals who have experience in the industry is helpful," said Elizabeth Pearson-McLaughlin, a 19-year-old mass communication student at UNCA.
Pearson-McLaughlin and other crew members from Mountain Highlights news program at UNCA took the opportunity to increase their knowledge of techniques within electronic journalism.
Students received information from various experienced businessmen in journalism. Many other schools attended the seminar. The workshops were completely free of charge and provided an opportunity for networking and to ask questions.
"I noticed a lot of kids staying afterwards and doing networking," said Serena Lee, 21, a senior mass communication student
According to their website, RTNDA was founded in 1946 and is "dedicated to setting standards for news gathering and reporting." First Amendment rights, Freedom of Information issues and ethics are some of their greatest concerns. They feel that their members help shape the profession.
"They had us fill out a survey at the end of it that asked if the seminar really worked for us," said Lee. "They told us that you have to get into the job, be an intern, and study the person you are working alongside. Ask questions and get involved."