Experts Urge Journalists On Development of Career Roadmap

Experts Urge Journalists On Development of Career Roadmap

stress on need for niche creation in journalism

By Faith Kordoo

Experts in the media space have stressed the need for journalists to build and develop a career road map to help them reach their full potential.

The call was made at a one-day virtual workshop for journalists tagged “Career Roadmap for 2024,” organized by the Step-Up for Women in Journalism Initiative (SWIJ) in collaboration with the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ).

The emphasis was also placed on the need for journalists to identify and create a niche for themselves.

In her speech, the guest speaker, who is the Managing Director of National Point Newspaper, Ibiba Don-Pedro, identified starting right and developing inner strength and determination as some of the boosters for achieving career targets.

Don-Pedro, an award-winning journalist herself, encouraged reporters to do great reports that will sell their talents to the media audience.

Sharing her experience as a former reporter at The Guardian Newspaper Limited, the National Point Managing Director, Don Pedro, revealed that she soared with courage, admonishing journalists to go for knowledge and be courageous, stressing that 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 rights.” Don-Pedro noted.

On his part, the Executive Director, Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin, charged journalists to remain focused even when they fail to meet targets.

“If for any reason you have missed target, you are not alone; 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; having a career roadmap will aid your growth, he advised.

Otufodunrin further encouraged journalists to develop quality relationships and build mutual respect.
“You have to pay your dues in the media sector and do what is right to grow,” the seasoned career mentor stated.

Also speaking, Ann Godwin, who heads SWIJ, said the training was aimed at bridging the gap between setting goals and working towards achieving them
Godwin, winner of the Female Reporters Leadership Program by the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism, regretted that journalists often set lofty goals at the beginning of the year but fail to take conscious steps towards achieving them.
She said failure to achieve set goals often leads to discouragement and feelings of depression.

According to Godwin, who is the Head of the South-South Bureau of The Guardian Newspaper, “laziness, lack of focus, and refusal to push oneself are some hindrances to achieving career goals.
She lamented that some people are hitches to themselves due to a 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 anyone. You shouldn’t be distracted by issues that do not tie to your purpose,” she stated.

Godwin further expressed optimism that the training will spur journalists to set clear goals and work towards achieving them, with buoyant results at the end.

She also lauded the WSCIJ for its relentless support in building formidable media and outstanding journalists in Nigeria. She specifically thanked the organisation for supporting SWIJ initiatives.

Earlier in his goodwill message, the program manager of WSCIJ, Mr. Samson Ademola, congratulated Godwin and SWIJ for the initiative. He said that over the years, the WSCIJ has helped journalists achieve their career goals.

He highlighted the need for journalists to identify their niche, noting that technology has brought about a change in media consumer expectations.

In attendance at the workshop were participants from academia, students of mass communication, media professionals, public relations officers, and media enthusiasts, among others.