Today, a journalist has to be flexible, multi-skilled, social media savvy and able to compete in an increasingly freelance world. They have to be entrepreneurs. The job market for young journalists has been changing rapidly and many of the traditional media jobs have disappeared or been greatly reduced.
St. Clair College journalism students Albert Sharp and Tristyn Zuiderveen will graduate from the MediaPlex in June into that new media landscape – and they are well prepared. This week they presented their multi-media talents to a judging panel in the One FORD Capstone Project. This was an opportunity for St. Clair College students to present their work to industry leaders from across the country.
Their presentation on the many benefits of creative podcasting for all types of industries won them the DuroByte Entrepreneur Award, which also came with a $500 gift card. DuroByte is a leading provider of innovative electronic design and manufacturing in Canada and the U.S. The St. Clair team was complemented on the high quality of their presentation and their personal brands.
Sharp was team leader and sees this award as a valuable addition to his resume. He said it is important for media graduates to have a strong entrepreneurial mindset.
“Because in reality, a large portion of the industry is comprised of freelancers or independent contractors. Without the ability to strike out on your own, it would be incredibly difficult to succeed,” said Sharp. “I am currently planning to use this award to establish myself as a qualified social marketer, while setting myself up in the industry.”
Zuderveen was complemented for her animated presentation.
"I have been a performer since I was very little, so I always knew I would wind up doing some form of media,” said Zuderveen. “This award is a great way to not only showcase my ability to promote a concept or business, but to highlight my personal strengths as a presenter."
Professor David Harrison guided the students through the process leading up to the competition. Harrison said this was an important competition because it allowed the students to showcase their talents, creativity and innovation to industry leaders who were outside the traditional media landscape.
“To be awarded this recognition is valuable, as it allowed our students with an entrepreneurial mindset to promote their start-up concept and turn their idea into something concrete,” said Harrison. "Albert and Tristyn won the Ford Capstone Entrepreneurial Award through the unbeatable combination of hard work, talent and collaboration."
