New program will build your video, audio and social media skills
In a professional world where being able to tell your story is the key to business and personal success, university graduates need media skills, not only to write, produce and distribute their stories, but also to compete in the job market.
The Converged Media Immersion Program (CMIP), where students take 15 credits of media during the spring semester of 2015, offers them the opportunity to build and hone these skill sets - all in one semester.
“Today more than ever, a multitude of employers in a variety of fields are seeking professionals who have storytelling, video, audio and social media skills,” says Juan E. Contreras, chairman of the CMIP faculty committee. “Our program offers students the opportunity to add those skills and competencies to their resume in just one semester, whether they are majoring in polymer science or history.”
The CMIP is open to University of Akron students in any college or major program, of sophomore standing and above, who have an interest in adding in-depth media training to their educational experience. No previous media experience is required.
The program begins with a one-semester commitment for a cohort of students, who will work together over 15 credit hours of immersed coursework to become fluent in the language of news and content generation for multiple platforms including print media, video, television, audio, radio and social media.
Unconventional format
The CMIP breaks out of the traditional lecture format, allowing its expert faculty to team-teach media skills in one, wholly integrated experience. Unlike taking five individual courses, students in the immersion program will benefit from out-of-class field experiences, hands-on learning, and the ability to combine skills learned across multiple media platforms to create an interactive, portfolio-ready project.
An optional second semester gives students the opportunity to compete for professional experience in an internship with The News Outlet, where they will put their media skills into practice.
“A program like the CMIP is a wonderful opportunity for students – especially those with an interest in entrepreneurship – to augment their education,” says Dr. Israel J Cajigas, a family medicine physician and University of Akron alum. Cajigas manages his practice’s website and plans to work with his colleagues to increase its social media presence. “Media skills and training are highly valuable to people working in many fields, and they are expensive to attain after school. Students should absolutely take advantage of this program,” he says.
The CMIP is an interdisciplinary program that was initiated by James Crutchfield, established by a grant written by Dr. Elizabeth Graham, and funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
For more information about the CMIP, and to download an application, visit www.uakron.edu/schlcomm/CMIP.
A John S. and James L. Knight Foundation grant supported initiative, the Converged Media Immersion Program offers students of all majors immersion media training to enhance their education and prepare them for today’s media-rich environment.
Attend an information session
Information sessions will be Held in Kolbe Hall 56A from:
- 5 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 23
- noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24