As a student of Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (SJGC), the opportunities are endless. From the connected professors to an abundance of resources in the building, success is only a degree away.
Whether you plan to graduate in broadcast journalism, public relations or graphic design, there is a professor that can help you attain whatever career you wish to have.
The SJGC faculty has collectively won numerous awards and has connections with companies such as CNN, BET and The New York Times. Their vast knowledge and willingness to pass that along to the students, has opened doors most of us didn’t know was possible.
Aside from the professors we have, there are organizations catering to almost every major. For journalism students, there is FAMU’s chapter of the National Association of Black Journalist and the Society of Professional Journalist. The FAMU’s chapter of NABJ is meant to advocate on behalf of black student journalists while SPJ is looks to emphasize the free practice of journalism.
FAMU also has its own chapter for the Public Relations Student Society of America for public relations students. It focuses on giving public relations students the skills and experience that most employers will be looking for. The organization offers plenty of networking opportunities every year.
Although there’s not currently an organization for graphic design students, SJGC offers a plethora of opportunities for those students to design flyers and logos within the school.
Outside of the different organizations, SJGC offers different media outlets such as The Famuan newspaper, WANM radio station, Journey Magazine, and FAMU News 20. Each of the award-winning outlets provide an opportunity for students in any major to gain real experience in their field. Whether it is writing, graphic design, producing, hosting, editing or public relations, there are outlets for everyone.
SJGC students are also provided with a lot of resources. There is a library on the third floor that has a computer lab, which includes applications such as Adobe and Final Cut Pro to assist students with their projects outside of the classroom. There are also recording booths, cameras and studios for students to utilize.
In addition to having access to technology and well-rounded professionals, SJGC students are given a curriculum that sets them up for success. Students are required to take classes such as professional development, which helps students add that professional layer. Courses such as this one, gives an understanding on how to self-manage and be at the top of their field.
Public relations and broadcast journalism students are also required to complete Capstone while graphic design students are required to have their own portfolios. These requirements showcase all the best work that students have done during their journey at FAMU and push them to be prepared for that next step in life.
If anything, SJGC shapes you to be more than just a journalist, a publicist or a graphic designer. It sets you up to be a professional and as successful as possible in your field.