Mobile, Ala. – On Thursday morning the University of South Alabama’s School of Communication opened its doors to a diverse group of media professionals for a hands‑on Communication Career Day. Attendees represented television, radio, print, digital news outlets and podcasting, providing students with a broad view of today’s media landscape.
Students meet industry mentors
Among the guests was Fox 10 anchor Lee Peck, who spent time speaking with a sophomore journalism major who also happens to be named Lee Peck. The student explained, “I’m really hoping to get an idea of what’s really out there. What skills are required. I’m hoping to get into broadcasting, maybe even radio, or podcasting.”
Other professionals shared similar stories of how they entered the field, the importance of building a portfolio, and the value of internships. They emphasized that strong communication skills, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt to new technology are essential for success.
Faculty highlights the event’s purpose
Dr. George Bovenizer, an assistant professor of journalism at the university, said the day offers students a practical way to explore options before graduation. “It’s a great opportunity to figure out what you may want to do, but also what you don’t want to do. That’s part of college. You’re here, you’re trying to find your way,” he explained.
He added that exposure to multiple media formats can spark unexpected interests. “Maybe you’re interested in TV. We have radio people here and we have podcasting people here. You might talk to one of them and think, ‘Wow, maybe that’s what I want.’ You might fall in love with broadcasting right then and there.”
Breakout sessions provide one‑on‑one guidance
The event also featured a breakout session where senior students could sit down individually with the professionals. In these short meetings, students asked specific questions about resume building, networking, and the day‑to‑day realities of reporting, editing and producing content.
One senior noted, “Having a chance to ask a real reporter about how they cover a story helped me see what I need to work on in my classes.” The professionals responded with actionable advice, encouraging students to seek out campus media opportunities, freelance work, and community reporting projects.
Community impact
Career Day reflects the university’s commitment to preparing the next generation of communicators who will serve the Mobile region and beyond. By connecting students with local and regional media outlets, the event strengthens the pipeline of talent that will keep Alabama’s newsrooms vibrant and responsive to community needs.
University officials plan to make the career‑day format an annual tradition, expanding it to include emerging fields such as digital content strategy and data journalism. The goal is to ensure that graduates leave the campus equipped with both the technical skills and the ethical foundation needed to inform the public responsibly.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
