Communication students attend International Radio and Television Society Conference

In late November, three Lamar University communication students –– Alexis Miller, Katie Bourgeois and Willie Carrierre –– attended the 38th International Radio and Television Society Foundation Multicultural Career Workshop in New York, New York.

Established in 1939, the International Radio & Television Society Foundation is a charitable organization with membership that ranges from the most accomplished professional in the media and entertainment business to those who are just beginning their careers. The Multicultural Career Workshop hosted by the organization serves as a support system for BIPOC –– Black, Indigenous and people of color –– students and recent grads looking to jump start their careers in media. The free workshop also allows students to interface with top media companies, gain industry insights, hear about exciting career opportunities and learn why the media business needs new perspectives.

"I knew this conference would be different from previous conferences I had attended in the past because the application required a resume," said Miller.

Yearly, the organization seeks conference attendees who are college sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students, as well as those that have graduated within the past year. Applicants should also possess the skills necessary to succeed in a media environment and/or have demonstrated their interest through professional and extracurricular activities. 

"As college students, there are many opportunities to meet with professionals for advice and challenge yourself along the way," said Miller. "I knew this workshop was different from previous workshops that I attended this past spring because their application required a resume."On Thursday, Nov. 17, we attended panels with representatives from many media companies we love such as Sound Cloud, Google and CBS News/ Paramount amongst many more. On Friday, Nov. 18, we participated in a career fair that featured companies such as A & E Networks, TV One, NBCUniversal, The Walt Disney Company with a list of others."

Miller, who recently served on the cast of Amazon Prime streaming series "The College Tour," said that she's grateful for the opportunity to network with industry leaders.

"I met, Joyce Tudryn, president and CEO of IRTS, Lauren Kruk-Winokur, senior vice president of Academic Programs and Communications, Andrea MacRae, IRTS programs consultant, Janai Norman, weekend co- anchor for Good Morning America ABC News and students from other universities," she said. "This workshop was very beneficial to my career and I’m looking forward to applying the skills I learned both at Lamar University and this workshop into my career."