Transferable Skills You Build In Student Media

Teaser

Student media at Beach Media is more than just creating content; it is a rigorous training ground for essential professional soft skills. By engaging in this environment, students master communication, time management, teamwork, and professionalism—transforming personal drive into a disciplined work ethic that prepares them for the complexities of the business and journalism worlds.

The Hidden Depth of Student Media

When most people think about student media, they often think about filming for the social media page or writing an article for the school's newspaper. But it is more than this. For Beach Media here at Long Beach, we do a great job of showing off our best work for our audience. The students that are looking to be educated on culture, lifestyle, arts and more with the newspaper have to look no further. There are so many great things to see on the surface, but oftentimes, the skills that students put into that work get overlooked. Of course the art of it all gets acknowledged but do we fully understand the work that went into this? Where does that passion and drive really stem from and how are they capable of bringing media to life as they do at Beach Media? 

Harnessing Determination and Self-Awareness

For me, I have studied my strengths and weaknesses very well. I am able to find determination in things that feel hard or impossible. It does take time to figure out what you’re capable of, but overtime, you start to realize and work hard based on what you’re good at. I am able to take a skill that most people might not be great at and work on it to perfect it. I persevere when I think about backing down. I always strive to get tasks that need to be completed, done. 

Mastering the Art of Transparent Communication

One of my biggest strengths is communication, and something that is very effective to pick up when working in student media. Learning how to clearly express ideas through questions and answers has become something I have mastered. I am not afraid to speak up when I have a proposition. Student media has taught me that speaking up helps me conquer the tasks and goals I have to complete faster because I wasn’t afraid to say something when it was unclear. You never know what someone else in the room knows that could potentially help you, and that is why I encourage others to ask around for help if needed. 

Efficiency Through Strategic Time Management

Another good skill I have built while working in student media has been time management. This is a skill that will stick with you when time gets tricky and work is piling up. I love sticking to a schedule and routine that will help me navigate my tasks, because when things flow smoothly, I am able to go the rest of my day being thankful I stuck to that successful plan. Once I noticed a pattern of something I liked, I knew it would help my work ethic. Being able to pick up on things that go well in life will help you cancel out all of the negative time you're putting into something that may not be worth the effort. This will be a step in the right direction for your future tasks. I am able to work ten times more efficiently with a thought out schedule and so, not only do I work better, but I am able to see my team successful as well. 

The Synergy of Teamwork and Collaborative Support

This leads me to the next skill that I have picked up in student media and it is teamwork. Teamwork is a big skill that needs all parties involved to be mastered. When everyone is on the same page, the work flows one hundred times better. The amount of support being shown to me in times where I need it really helps me work better in the media atmosphere. Whenever there is anything that needs to get done, we as a team come together to make sure that everything is working to its best potential. I feel the pressure isn’t as bad when I know that other people have been in my shoes and are willing to help me just as much as I can help them. 

Building a Foundation for Leadership

I find working in a group of people allows me to build a better foundation for myself in a work setting, rather than navigating on my own. When different people are working on writing, editing, filming or planning, the work goes by quicker, which then means we build a nice teamwork ladder. This is an essential skill that teaches you to be a good leader and a team player in all aspects. Professionalism is another key skill to have when working in student media and definitely something that has taught me a great lesson so far. The more you show up for yourself with expertness, the more you are able to conquer. Showing up early, communicating well and being on top of things shows great professionalism and how my work ethic can pay off for great opportunities. There were times where I didn’t realize I was capable of doing what I did because my professionalism was great and I showed what I was passionate about. Learning these skills really taught me that all halves make a whole and being the business person I am learning to become will be my greatest accomplishment in my future, and hopefully these skills can also teach others the basics for entering the business world. No matter what I want to do, whether that's going into journalism to be a writer, or a news broadcaster, I will always be knowledgeable of the skills that student media has taught me here at Beach Media.