10 Great Ideas for #NABJ17 Workshops

By Benét J. Wilson, NABJ VP-Digital

The Call for Proposals for the 2017 NABJ Convention and Career Fair is now open. The organization relies on volunteers to put on workshops that help members stay relevant in their journalism and communications careers.  As a past program chair (2012 and 2013),

As a past program chair (2012 and 2013), I regularly heard from members who complained about not seeing the workshops they wanted.  I always asked, “did you submit anything?” Nine times out of 10, it was a no.

So ensure that you get the programming you want to see in New Orleans and submit a proposal here by the February 15 deadline. You must be an NABJ member to submit a workshop. Below are 10 panel ideas you may want to consider.  Good luck!!

1. Ways to search for that next job
2. Copyediting your stories when there’s no copy desk
3. Using your journalism skills in non-journalism jobs
4. How to use the latest data journalism tools
5. Want to start podcasting? Here’s how
6. Ways to shoot live video (Facebook Live, Periscope)
7. How to break into INSERT BEAT HERE
8. How to develop and produce multiplatform stories
9. Multimedia training for veteran journalists
10. Tips for breaking into freelance journalism

RECORDING New Year, New You 3.0: The Art of Interviewing and Storytelling

For journalists, being able to tell the stories on our beats and in the nation’s neighborhoods is central to our job. Being able to tell these stories in a way that is compelling is especially necessary in a time where information options are numerous. In this webinar, a group of experienced journalists—Tory Parrish, reporter, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Gary Witherspoon, a former editor for the Boston Globe and Newsday, and Brandon E. Robinson, an independent journalist whose work has appeared in SLAM and Ebony magazines and is the host of the ScoopB radio podcast—will share what makes a good story, how to go and get them, and how good research and good questions go hand in hand.

In this webinar, held on Thursday, Jan. 27, a group of experienced journalists—Tory Parrish, reporter, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Gary Witherspoon, a former editor for the Boston Globe and Newsday, and Brandon E. Robinson, an independent journalist whose work has appeared in SLAM and Ebony magazines and is the host of the ScoopB radio podcast—will share what makes a good story, how to go and get them, and how good research and good questions go hand in hand. Click here for a recording of this NABJ members-only webinar.

RECORDING New Year, New You 3.0: The Power of Social Media

#ICYMI “The Power of Social Media #BeGreat #TellTheStory” webinar, you can watch and listen to it using this link. Watch and learn as NABJ Student Council members provide helpful tips and things to avoid when incorporating social media into your storytelling.

Recording from New Year, New You 3.0: Formation 2017 – Creating a Powerful Digital Brand on LinkedIn

Thanks to the NABJ Digital Journalism Task Force and Kristina B. Hill for helping with the first Media Related Task Force hosted webinar. A few minutes after Formation 2017, a participant changed his LinkedIn profile from ‘writer seeking opportunity’ to ‘award-winning multimedia journalist’ and now he says he has job offers. “I’ve been trying to improve my presence since October. This webinar was excellent!”  Check out what happened by clicking here.

And watch this space for more task force training webinars.

Recording & Tips from New Year, New You 3.0: The Resume Edition Webinar

Thanks to everyone who joined me tonight for the resume webinar. I hope you found it helpful.  If you missed it, click HERE for the webinar recording.

Below are links to articles that can help you craft a great resume.

• Monster.com: Top 10 resume mistakes to avoid
• TheBalance.com: Resume Writing Guide – Tips and Examples
• Forbes: 8 Critical Ways To Improve Your Resume

If you’re looking for a list of journalism organizations to join, Arizona State University has created this great list.

For those who want to brush up on their skills, I recommend the following training sites:

• Udemy
• Lynda (now owned by LinkedIn)
• Skillshare
• Coursera
• Skillcrush (try the free 10-day boot camp)

Finally, if you’re looking for inspiration, check out “12 of the Most Creative (and Effective) Resumes in the World,” courtesy of The Atlantic. And check out Canva, which has a whole section of resume templates that are easy to use.

Please feel free to email me with any further questions. The next New Year, New You webinar — Do the #SideHustle — will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, at 9:00 p.m. EST. You can get more details and register for it HERE.

New Year, New You 3.0: The Resume Edition – The Webinar

The NABJ Digital Journalism Task Force is bringing back its annual series, New Year, New You. These webinars are designed to help you be better in your current job or help you find a new one. The first in the series, The Resume Edition, will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at 8:00 p.m. EST.

NABJ VP-Digital Benét Wilson will offer 10 tips to make your resume stand out from the crowd. She will also do live resume reviews of a student, emerging and veteran journalist and leave time for your questions. At the end of the webinar, you’ll have the tools you need to create a resume that can help get you that next job.

The webinar is open to NABJ members only. You can register here. Hope to “see” you there!