As commencement season quickly approaches, many students are trying to figure out where they will be going and what they will be doing post graduation. From master’s programs to full-time careers, many students are in the process of making life-changing decisions as they enter the real world. It is no secret that FAMU’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communications has produced some heavy hitters in the industry. Many of these graduates go on to work with world renowned companies with a plethora of experience under their belts. SGJC graduates have often spoken out about their time at FAMU and how it has given them the experience needed to prosper.
Naya Campbell graduated from FAMU in December of 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. “J- school definitely prepared me for the broadcast news world,” Campbell said. “A lot of people complain about not receiving the proper skills, but it is all about how you spend your time at school.”
Every student who is pursuing a degree in SJGC is required to fulfill an internship credit course which can potentially give students the chance to gain knowledge and show off their own skills.
Iyanna Peoples also graduated in December of 2022 with a bachelor’s in public relations. Iyanna spoke about her internship and how it really helped her see what her career field would look like. “I was an intern for Royal Tee Magazine where I made content about current events in popular culture,” Peoples said. “I learned so much about communication, and how public relations opens many doors to many different career fields.”
Peoples also stated how her experience at the FAMUAN and the National Association for Black Journalists helped show off her skills with her internship. Peoples and Campbell are both emerging into career fields that they majored in and both ladies say that FAMU was their best choice. “I will be producing for a local news station in Virginia,” Campbell said. “FAMU made it very easy for me to find a job by promoting career fairs, “Grads are Back” and being selected for interviews on J- school’s fourth floor.” Students are able to stay up to date with the latest career fairs through checking their emails and FAMU’s career website.
Campbell and Peoples were both asked about the number one thing they would tell upcoming graduates in SJGC. “You have to reach out to your professors and engage in activities to get your name and experience out there,” Peoples said. “You get the most opportunities by simply networking and stepping out of your comfort zone.” Campbell also stated that stepping out of your comfort zone and making yourself known to your professors is the key to success.
Florida A&M University has afforded many opportunities to J- school students, and has given them success in their post graduate lives. In the future, more majors and programs will be added to the curriculum in order to make sure student success is an attainable goal for all SGJC students.