The TXST School of Journalism and Mass Communication is set to host Mass Comm Week. The event brings media and communications professionals to campus for sessions that explore industry trends and give students insight into career opportunities.
Taking place Oct. 7–11, Mass Comm Week will welcome about 40 speakers for discussions that take place in classes and on Zoom. Keynote speakers this year include Carmen Tafolla, former Texas poet laureate; Malik Mingo, a Bobcat alum and who hosts “Great Day Louisiana” on WWL-TV in New Orleans; and Carlos Hernandez, a Bobcat alum and broadcast journalist with “Great Day Houston” on KHOU.
“Mass Comm Week gives students the chance to meet industry experts who are building a legacy and shaping the future of emerging media, journalism and strategic communication,” said Dr. Judy Oskam, director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. “We want students to gain an understanding of the vast opportunities and how they can launch their own career journeys.”
Oskam said the theme of this year’s event is “Legacy,” which was chosen in recognition of TXST 125. Faculty members looked for speakers who are active in their fields and have an affiliation with TXST, either as alums or in the course of their work.
“We’ve been coordinating this event since 1990, and it’s grown so much and transformed over the decades,” said Albert Suarez, digital media specialist for the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and organizer of Mass Comm Week. “This is an opportunity for our students to hear from media professionals and Bobcat alumni and discuss everything from current issues to careers in mass media.”
The week also gives students an opportunity to practice their journalism skills by covering the event and to network with the speakers in sessions such as “Getting that First Job in Journalism,” “Careers as a Content Creator,” “Internship 101,” and the Exploring Graduate School Fair.
In addition to students in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Mass Comm Week also hosts about 50 high school students from Laredo as part of the D. D. Hachar Visiting Hispanic Media Professionals Program. The students, who attend the Vidal M. Trevino School of Communication and Fine Arts, will participate in sessions and tour the campus, including residence halls and media facilities.
“It really gives them the experience of what being a Texas state student is like,” Suarez said.