The Insider Media Panel: A Success
After months of arduous work andsupport from The Insider’s executive team and guidance from Schulich’s CareerDevelopment Centre, Amir Khan, The Insider was successfully able to launch itsfirst event of the year. While this may seem ordinary to those new to TheInsider, this was considered a milestone as the executive team had to workwithout a template from previous years.
On Thursday November 16th,industry renowned panelists took to the stage and presented their experiencesworking in the media business. Panelists included Roma Kajima of CBC, MartineEnglish from TFO, Rudayna Bahubeshi from the Inspirit Foundation and JasonColbert of Media Face. With an attendance of over 30 individuals, the eventturned out to be a success and gave attendees a chance to speak with professional’shead on.
Besides providing detailed insightof the media industry, panelists incorporated tips that could be universallyapplied when searching for jobs. Many students think networking and coffeechats are key to jumpstarting a career, but is that true? Roma Kajima, SeniorDirector of OTT Video at CBC, emphasized the importance of research andpreparation before attending networking events. She said, “even if you’reattending an informal coffee chat, it is essential to have insight of theemployer before arriving”, which will likely leave a lasting impression forpeople to remember. Employers at networking events aren’t intrigued by peoplethat ask standardized questions, but rather those who are focused on buildinglasting relationships instead of solely talking to attain a job.
Additionally,the panelists highlighted the potential for future growth in the mediaindustry. Being a niche field, the opportunities for advancement are endlessregardless of your degree specialization. “An accounting major can still be asuccessful journalist” said Martine English, from TFO. In the end, everyonefinds a job but landing a job that does not suit your interests is a recipe fordisaster. Most people are pressured by their guardians and end up completingspecializations that are of no interest to them, causing them to regret theirdecisions in the long run. However, the media industry provides flexibility.Whether it’s journalism, advertising or marketing, transitioning towards mediais always an option.