Kean Communication Majors Receive Presidential Advice

Two Kean University communication majors learned first-hand what it takes to report on a US presidential candidate when they heard former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speak at the recent NABJ/NAHJ Annual Convention and Career Fair in Washington, D.C. 

Juniors Asa Dugger and Angelica Glispie say the experience has motivated them as they pursue careers in journalism.

“Now more than ever, we need you to keep holding leaders and candidates accountable,” Clinton said in her keynote address to the more than 4,000 men and women from the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists in attendance. “We need you to make sure that America’s front pages and nightly newscasts and online information reflect the great diversity of our nation.”

Taking Clinton’s words to heart, Dugger and Glipsie have committed to starting an NABJ chapter at Kean University.

“NABJ highlights the journalistic talents of minority students who are often at risk of being overlooked professionally,” Dugger said. “The quality programs and services they provide students of color who study journalism, broadcasting and production would be a great addition to the world-class opportunities already available to Kean University students.”  

In addition to hearing the former First Lady address the audience, the two experienced other valuable opportunities at the conference. Dugger was chosen to attend NBC’s Impact Program for a day, and Glispie received an invitation to a private networking event.

“I was tasked to write a script for a newscast using the footage provided by the staff,” said Dugger, a resident of Voorhees. “I made the best of the opportunity, and Greg Dawson, who is the executive vice-president of NBC 7 San Diego, said he was impressed with my writing skills and level of confidence.” She also met media professionals from CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, the Los Angeles Times and others with whom she hopes to stay connected.

The exclusive networking opportunity allowed Glispie to connect with directors and anchors at NBC Universal. “I went to this convention with the intention of gaining an internship and by the connections I have made, there is a high possibility of that happening,” said Glispie, a Monroe Township resident who was also interviewed by CNBC for a segment about Clinton’s speech.

The duo is sharing what they learned at the conference with fellow Kean students.

“The experience gave me the confidence I need to continue to network and get my name out there,” Glispie said. Dugger said she picked up tips on how to apply to major media outlets and how students and recent grads can make their applications stand out.