The Florida A&M chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists held its first general body meeting for newly admitted members Tuesday followed by a NABJ student recap session in j-school’s lecture hall. FAMU’s chapter is called ABJ.
Dozens of students were on hand eager to see what NABJ had to offer them. NABJ is an organization of African American journalists and students that provides high quality programs and services on behalf of African Americans in journalism. Also open to non-African Americans, NBAJ is mostly known for its high-end annual convention and career fairs held all over the country.
Longtime FABJ members Brittany Jarret and Avery Jacobs gave brief presentations about their experiences with the organization and their career fair escapades. They also provided tips on what to expect when attending the annual convention.
“My first time going was in New Orleans and I had a blast. My second time going was in Miami and it was lit. It was just amazing seeing that you could walk into a room full of black people and they want to help you and they want to see you succeed,” Jacobs said, “and students that you don’t even know that don’t even go to your university are out there trying to help you and trying to help you succeed to get that job.”
Jacobs mentioned that preparation is key when attending one of these conventions. That means creating business cards, writing articles, having a website and having your resume ready.
More than 3,000 of the nation’s top media executives, recruiters, journalists and students gathered in Miami for the career development and networking opportunity in August. They even had special guests drop in such as Bill Rhoden, Anthony Anderson, Rashan Ali and Jemele Hill.
“This year was my second time attending the national convention. I always get so overwhelmed whenever I have to talk about NABJ just because it’s done so much for me personally and I never have the right words to put it together because it’s just that overwhelming but in a good way.” Jarret said.
Ariyon Dailey, vice president of j-school’s chapter, gave members a run down of her experience in Miami.
“You never know who could help you. It’s so many different people to meet. You never know who’s hand you’re going to shake that’s gonna give you that next job or your next big opportunity. A huge variety of companies like ESPN, CNN, CBS, Warner and so many more were there. It’s a great thing to be a part of.”
ABJ holds its interest meetings every semester so if you missed the opportunity to join this semester, be on the lookout in the spring.