Embrace Social Media for Career Growth SOJ Students Told

By Jeremiah WAKAYA| @WakayaKE

Kenya Pipeline Company Limited Corporate Communications Manager Mr. Janson Nyantino

University of Nairobi’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SOJMC) students have been challenged to aggressively use social media as a tool for building their future careers in the media industry.

Speaking during a career talk at the school on June 16^th, 2016, Kenya Pipeline Company Limited Corporate Communications Manager Mr. Janson Nyantino said that journalism students are the future of the media industry and as such they are well placed to transform the society.

Mr. Nyantino, who was addressing the students on the productive use of social media for growth and development, emphasized on the need for journalism students to embrace social media saying it is a digital reality they cannot run away from. “Social media has made the global village a reality. Someone in Los Angeles already knows the happenings in Kenya even without setting foot in Kenya,” He said.

The Communications expert however cautioned against reckless use of social media platforms saying such carelessness could taint their image for life. “Your digital character determines your real character,” He added.

SOJ & MC students during the talk

 

Students were also urged to avoid controversies which may taint their reputation. Mr. Nyantino urged the students to instead conduct proper research on such matters to ensure that what they say is factual and objective enough to stand the test of time.

Nyantino told the students to also focus on building professional networks using sites such as LinkedIn to enable them to connect with other students and professionals in their field. He further urged the students to look beyond the local media industry by seeking for opportunities in international media organizations and grabbing such opportunities whenever they arise.

In conclusion, Mr. Nyantino challenged the students to come together and register companies that offer solutions on social media saying the industry has immense opportunities that remain untapped.

On his part University of Nairobi’s Journalism Students Association Chairman Waita Muoka urged the students to make good use of their time online in order to maximize the gains of digital journalism.

The career talk was also attended by the association’s Vice Chairperson Esther Mbaabu, Publicity Secretary Sebastian Musyoka, Secretary General Charles Omondi and Sports Secretary Samuel Munyao.