Photography by Lindokule Sobhekwa

Many young people think of the media industry as an entertaining and less demanding industry. As entertaining as it might be at times, it comes with a lot of hard work and persistence. So we put together some of South Africa’s leading journalists to hear about their experiences and how they got a break in the media industry.

Here are some of the panels top tips on how to crack it in the media industry:

1. Be interested in what you do, you should always be on the look out for the things happening around you.
2. Build up your work experience by applying for unpaid jobs and internships.
3. Carve a distinctive niche for yourself, be original and real.
4. Start your own blog and feed it with relevant and well researched work.
5. Have media contacts, know the relevant people in the industry to pitch to.
6. Put yourself out there and always be willing to take risks.

The session was held at the Alex Theatre in Braamfontein, Johannesburg on the 27 June and included award-winning journalist and Contributing Music Editor Diane Coetzer from Rolling Stone South Africa, Johannesburg-based David Smith who is Africa’s correspondent for The Guardian and Observer UK, blogger and photographer Uviwe Mangweni, MTV Base VJ and MC  Nomuzi “NoMoozlie” Mabena as well as Mahala online culture magazine’s Rob Scher.

The monthly Live Creative Sessions are a platform for up-and-coming creatives to engage with established industry professionals and arts practitioners, receive creative and career advice as well as build relationships with these professionals.

Supported by Connect ZA (British Council)