Üsküdar Üniversitesi Media PR Unit Manager, Journalist and TV Program Host Şaban Özdemir took part as a speaker at the event titled “Career Journey in Communication Field” organized by Gümüşhane University. Meeting with students of Public Relations and Advertising, Journalism, Radio TV and Cinema, Özdemir emphasized that the key to success lies in effort. Özdemir also underlined that theory and practice in communication must be synchronized very well.
“Good cooperation brings success”
Özdemir, who touched upon the importance of cooperation and being a good team at the event attended by Gümüşhane University Faculty of Communication Deputy Dean Dr. Lecturer Ali Özcan;
“I always tell my friends studying in the communication faculty; please make good use of their student years, strive to gain experience/skills. They should pay attention to utilizing the opportunities offered by the school. It is necessary to be a very good team. One of the 21st-century skills is being able to establish good cooperation. My friends here sometimes fall victim to their ambitions or high dreams; there can be a sweet rivalry among friends. I recommend that you minimize these rivalries, at least turn them into constructive competition. Because one day, when you graduate and get somewhere, you will need friends with whom you can establish good cooperation and work together. The friendships, camaraderie, collaborations, and shares you make during your undergraduate education, and having accomplished great things, will also enable you to continue these great works in your professional life. I would especially like to emphasize this.” he said.
“Theory and practice need to be synchronized well”
Özdemir, stating that theoretical knowledge and field experience need to be synchronized well; “If you are thinking of working in the field, even if you are an academician, you definitely need to go into the field during your school years. When I registered at Selçuk University in Konya, I immediately started working at Kon TV. I often witness the complaints of my friends who have graduated or will choose the faculty of communication, 'If you have connections, you can do something.' I had no connections; I came by clawing my way up. If you have acquaintances or connections, they might keep you in a place to some extent, but this does not mean you will be permanent in that position. If you lack a skill, haven't developed yourself, and haven't made an effort in that sense, the effect of the 'wind' there will quickly sweep you away. Therefore, try to develop yourself well during your school years, go into the field, and do things there. Hold the end of a camera or a photo machine, touch the keyboard, write a news story. What I particularly want to say is that you need to synchronize your faculty years well, both academically and in terms of field experience, meaning theory and practice. The key to success lies in making an effort.” he said.
“Every field has its unique challenges, don't get caught up in anxiety and miss the moment…”
Özdemir, who also answered students' questions about the profession, said the following about students' future anxiety: “I have friends who are anxious about what they will do after graduation. I think you shouldn't think about what comes after graduation. 'Live in the moment.' Our Founding Rector, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan always emphasizes this. What I mean by living in the moment is, if you are already doing your best at that moment, there is no need to be anxious about the past or the future. If you are doing good things at that moment, fulfilling your duty, acting aware of your responsibilities, and doing things to improve yourself, then good things will happen concerning your future. So, don't worry, don't get caught up in your anxiety and miss the moment. Of course, the process is not easy, it's challenging. We have experienced many incidents in the profession. But; no matter which field you go into, every field will have its unique challenges. If you are willing, enthusiastic, and passionate, these difficulties will not be an obstacle in front of you, but merely a step to be overcome. I have experienced many examples of this. It should be seen not as a difficulty, but as a step to be overcome. This is sometimes overcome with professional experience, sometimes by getting support from an elder or a master. The master-apprentice relationship is very valuable in our profession. My student friends who will do something in the field of communication should be aware of this. When you find a professional elder whom you see as an idol, stick to them, follow in the footsteps of the names you model yourself after, let them be your mentor, and support you constantly.”
Özdemir also answered students' questions regarding “Diction, effective speaking, hosting-announcing” by conducting practical exercises.
At the end of the program, Gümüşhane University Faculty of Communication Deputy Dean Dr. Lecturer Ali Özcan thanked Özdemir for his participation.