Media experts have tasked journalists on the need to build and develop a career roadmap that will enable them to reach their peak.
They also harped on the need for journalists to identify and create a niche for themselves.
They made the submissions at a one-day virtual workshop for journalists tagged; “Career Roadmap for 2024”, organised by the Step-up for Women in Journalism Initiative (SWIJ), with support from the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) on Friday.
The Guest Speaker, who is the Managing Director of National Point Newspaper, Ibiba Don-Pedro, said, starting right, developing inner strength and determination are some of the boosters for achieving career targets.
Don-Pedro, an award winning journalist, encouraged reporters to do great reports that will sell their talents to the media audience.
Sharing her experience as a former reporter in The Guardian Newspaper Newspaper, the National Point Managing Director admonished female journalists to go for knowledge and be courageous, adding 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 stated.
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 but try to get back on track. Document what you want to achieve and drop excess baggage that can distract you.
“Be bold to step back if necessary, check regularly, have accountability partner and be ready for a change. It is important to be strategic about your career, have a career roadmap it will aid your growth,” Otufodunrin, former Managing Editor of The Nation Newspaper stated.
Otufodunrin further encouraged journalists to develop quality relationship 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.
Ann Godwin who leads 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 Programme 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 achieving set goals often lead 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. “Some persons are hitches to themselves due to lack of self push”
She said In getting your road map clear, no gree for yourself this year. You must put pressure on yourself. Don’t wait for anybody. You shouldn’t be distracted by issues that does not tie to your purpose” she stated.
She expressed optimism that the training will spur journalists to set clear goals, work towards achieving them with buoyant results at the end.
She applauded 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 Programme Manager of WSCIJ, Mr. Samson Ademola congratulated Godwin and SWIJ for the initiative. He said over the years, the WSCIJ has helped journalists achieve their career goals.
He highlighted the need for journalists to identify their nitch, pointing out that technology has brought about change in media consumer expectations.
In his contribution, a digital expert and participant, Paul Chimodo, stressed the need for journalists to advertise and brand themselves, using digital tools.
The workshop drew participants from academics, students of mass communication , media professionals, public relations officers, media enthusiasts among others.
