Communication Students Attend International Radio and Television Society Event
Kean University Communication students Asa Dugger, of Voorhees, and Jennyfer MacOto, of Jersey City, were selected from a national pool of applicants to attend the 33rd annual International Radio and Television Society’s (IRTS) annual Multicultural Media Career Workshops in New York City October 12 - 13. Dugger and MacOto met with executives from the top three television networks and other major media companies, including CNN, MSNBC, Spotify and Disney, during the 2-day event. CBS Nightly News correspondent DeMarco Morgan delivered the keynote address at the conference.
“The IRTS conference gave students like myself hope that we can work for the company of our dreams if we continue to work hard and network,” said Dugger.
The workshop attracts a large and diverse applicant pool each year. Selected students “have demonstrated the skills necessary to succeed in a corporate environment” as well as an interest in communications. Approximately 130 students from all majors are invited to attend. Invited students met with human resources professionals from more than 25 major communications companies to learn about full-time and internship opportunities.
Conference attendees received a comprehensive overview of the media industry featuring in-depth panel discussions and valuable networking opportunities. Panel topics included: Business Careers in Media, Creating Content: News & Entertainment Production Careers, Executive Leadership, Making the Right Impression and Getting Started: Advice from Junior Professionals. Attendees learned about opportunities in digital media, creative production, journalism, advertising, research, sales and marketing at the event. Students also had the opportunity to practice their interviewing skills, learn strategies for entering the job market and receive valuable feedback.
MacOto described the event as a “wonderful, memorable experience.” For her, the highlight was sharing her love of comics with a Disney executive. Dugger credits her Kean education with providing the “professional etiquette and networking savvy” needed to earn a coveted spot at IRTS and benefit from the experience. She also praised keynote speaker DeMarco Morgan for his openness.
“He was so authentic and real about his personal life, the industry and his accomplishments,” said Dugger.
Kean University’s School of Communication, Media and Journalism (CMJ) offers degree programs in Communication Studies, Media/Film, Journalism and Public Relations. CMJ students have the opportunity to gain practical expertise through The Tower, Kean’s award-winning student newspaper, campus radio station WKNJ-FM and KUTV.