October 4, 2016
By Bob Tarlau and Robi Wax
The fourth year of Journalism Speed Mentoring – held Sept. 28 - had near record attendance. The program brings professionals in print, broadcast, online/digital and public relations to campus. Participating students move from table to table, asking questions and gaining candid and unique insights into various journalistic avenues.
The annual program was held at the Northridge Center of the University Student Union and is organized by the Journalism Alumni Association (JAA). Co-sponsors are the Journalism Department, the student chapter of the Society for Professional Journalists (SPJ) and the CSUN Alumni Association.
This year, the Whole Foods Market in Northridge donated lunches for the mentors. The JAA provided pizzas and cold drinks for the students.
In Speed Mentoring’s first year, 2012, it attracted about 75 students and 25 mentors. The 2016 edition attracted almost that many. The program is loosely based on speed dating, with students reminded every 15 or 20 minutes that they are welcome to move to another table to visit with other coaches. This time, Speed Mentoring also included a resume review table, which was very popular.
Among this year’s 20 mentors were:
CSUN Journalism grads Brittany Pierce, executive producer and host of "Rhythm Abroad," a travel series on PBS; Rahshaun Haylock, sideline reporter, FOX Sports West/Prime Ticket, and Traci Saulsberry, who works in publicity for NBC Entertainment.
Others included Erika Aguilar, independent audio producer/reporter; formerly KPCC's Orange County bureau reporter, and Connie Ho, web producer, social media manager, digital content coordinator for Westways magazine.