Cindy Royal, Tyson Evans and Matt Waite all have backgrounds that one wouldn’t think would lead them to new media.  Today, all three are in professions that are transforming the world of communication.  The mission of this panel was to discuss what future communication professionals need to know, and how to teach it to them.

The trio discussed what tools they use on a daily basis to do their job, as well as how they learned them.  Evans mentioned that he was responsible for learning CSS techniques on his own, which he did by looking at CSS how-to books.  Waite agreed, saying that he learned a lot about web design and online media from friends, and from the all-knowing Google.  Waite described learning new media by saying “It’s kind of like a drug addiction in a good way…after then you’re just chasing the next high.”

The panelists went on to discuss skills that their organizations are looking for in new hires:

1. A “utility” player–someone who does it all (Facebook, Twitter, writing, etc.), and can multi-task.
2. Innovation in social media, new technologies, etc.
3. Passionate
4. Can demonstrate your skills
5. Willing to try new things
6. Fluency in multiple techniques (i.e. shooting video)

The panelists touched on the subject of citizen journalism.  Waite’s opinion was that citizen journalism will never replace professional journalism, but that there should, ideally, be a collaboration between the two.

The trio also talked about what should be implemented in communication or journalism curriculum:

1. Branding skills
2. Good basic writing skills
3. Editing skills
4. Ability to write cleanly and cohesively
5. Business side of journalism
6. Partnerships with the industry, as well as associations

The panelists agreed that the resistance from some faculty at institutions is a big cause for the lack of skills that some students face when entering the profession.

Waite, Evans and Royal recommended just getting yourself out there to find the skills you need.  It’s through networking and interning that students learn what they need to make it in the new world of journalism and communication.