Start early, build skills, prepare for the future, media experts tell Mass Communication students

Campus Reporter Alumnus and BBC Journalist, Adesola Ikulajolu, has called on Mass Communication students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), to begin building relevant practical skills and career portfolios before graduation to improve their chances in an increasingly competitive labour market.

Speaking at a workshop summit organised by the National Association of Mass Communication Students (NAMACOS), AAUA, Mr Ikulajolu told the students to start building practical skills, professional networks and career portfolios before graduation to improve their chances in an increasingly competitive labour market.

The summit, themed “Leadership and Life After School: How to Survive the First Years After Graduation and Lead Yourself into Gainful Employment,” also had the university’s Principal Assistant Registrar, Oluwaseyi Oluwalade, as a guest speaker.

Also present at the event were lecturers from the department, including Raphael Abimbola, Ishola Lamidi and Tolulope Ajayi.

Build skills before graduation

Addressing the students, Mr Ikulajolu explained that graduates who have multiple practical skills and are capable of performing tasks thrive better than others in the labour market.

Speaking about journalism, he said journalists who can write, edit, create digital content, produce programmes, manage social media platforms and handle multimedia storytelling stand a better chance of securing employment.

Mr Ikulajolu, who is also an alumnus of the university, encouraged students to begin building professional portfolios before graduation by participating in campus journalism, leadership activities, content creation and other opportunities that expose them to real-world challenges.

“Start early,” he advised. “Whether it is journalism, public relations, content creation or any other field, begin building experience now.”

He explained that universities provide a foundation for success, but graduates must acquire practical skills and experience to remain relevant in a demanding workplace.

“The outside world has no pity for you,” he told the students. “Nobody is looking at how much you have read. They want to know what you bring to the table and what value you can offer.”

Lessons from experience

Drawing from his experience, Mr Ikulajolu recounted how he relocated to Abuja shortly after completing his final project in 2021 to begin work as a journalist. 

He said the experience exposed him to the importance of building networks while still in school.

He explained that many of the opportunities he later enjoyed were possible because of relationships and professional connections established during his undergraduate years.

The BBC journalist stressed that employers often evaluate candidates based on their practical abilities, adaptability and portfolio of work rather than the institution from which they graduated.

“You’re going to meet people from different universities. At that point, it is no longer about where you studied but what you can do,” he said.

‘Be deliberate ’

Also speaking, Mr Oluwalade, the Principal Assistant Registrar of the university, urged students to take responsibility for their life and career through deliberate decision-making, goal-setting and personal development while still on campus.

He urged students to identify their career interests early and begin developing relevant skills before graduation, stressing that employers are increasingly interested in competence and experience rather than academic qualifications alone.

“It is about having a clear vision for your future, making informed decisions, setting goals, adapting to challenges and taking proactive steps towards personal and professional success,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of networking and relationship-building, encouraging students to maintain professional contacts and seek mentorship opportunities.

One of the students who attended the workshop, Olasoji Oluwaduyilemi, a 400-level student of the department, told Campus Report that it was eye-opening.

“The workshop has given me a better understanding of what to expect after graduation and the need to develop practical skills that will set me apart,” he said.

Another student, Precious Orunduyi, said: “It was actually one that was really needed. I learned quite a lot, and then received the clarity I needed in the area of content creation, particularly”.