Bloomfield College Alumna to Host Broadcast Journalism Event at the College

By Alicia Cook

Amira Onibudo ’13 is returning to her alma mater to host the Television & Digital Media Panel Discussion & Networking Event on Thursday, November 3.

The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. in the Deacon’s Den and will allow Bloomfield College students the opportunity to network with industry professionals, participate in mock interviews, receive resume critiques, and learn about internship and job opportunities.

The panel consists of successful women in Broadcast Journalism Onibudo has connected with through working in television including Vanessa Freeman, reporter/anchor with News 12 New Jersey; Nia Warfield, News Associate with CNBC; Sandra Joseph of Emerging Media and MTV; and Erika Santoro, Associate Producer at CNBC.com.

Onibudo is currently employed at News 12 New Jersey as an Assignment Editor.

Onibudo, who was born and raised in Bloomfield, studied Broadcast Journalism at Bloomfield College, was WBCR Radio host and manager, a member of the Honors Program, and the President and reporter of Bloombox TV, the College’s TV station.

“Taking courses in communications and Journalism is great but getting actual hands on experience is what draws the line between execution and results. Students can learn how to edit in a classroom but actually seeing the result of it is so fundamental,” said Onibudo. “It is so imperative that Journalism students get involved on campus in anything related to communications or TV. Internship opportunities are only given to students who can show that they have some sort of experience in communications and television. Working with the campus TV and radio station is extremely imperative.”

Onibudo, a McNair Scholar, made the Dean’s List in 2010 and 2011 and the High Honors Dean's list in 2012. Additionally, she was chosen for Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges May 2011, May 2012, and May 2013.

“As a McNair Scholar I was fortunate to travel to several conventions and conferences at no cost. I went to New Orleans and Las Vegas for the Society of Professional Journalists Convention and career fair and was able to network with industry professionals,” recalled Onibudo. “I learned the importance of networking with industry leaders and making connections with them while at Bloomfield College.”

While at the College, Onibudo stacked her resume with impressive internships with New Jersey News 23, MTV, and VH1. VH1 offered Onibudo her first full-time job one week before she graduated from Bloomfield College.

Since earning a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communications from Seton Hall University in May 2016, she moved on to News 12 New Jersey.

At News 12, Onibudo assigns and coordinates news staff to cover breaking news and ongoing stories. She manages incoming and outgoing video footage from CBS, ABC, NBC, CNN, and affiliate stations, manages and updates the assignment calendar, coordinates with producers to ensure the efficiency of the live news broadcast, researches incoming news stories, provides new updates, manages satellite and helicopter needs, and supervises the intern staff.

“What I love most about working in the television industry is managing the interns,” stated Onibudo. “Being a part of their growth and development gives me a sense of meaning for working at a prominent TV network. Anyone can go to work and complete tasks; but to go to work and empower, uplift, and motivate another person is truly priceless.”

She hopes to help propel future Bloomfield College Broadcast Journalism graduates the same way she does her interns.

“I am the founder of an amazing blog called Unleashyourself.org that empowers young professionals to overcome fear and unleash their inner boss,” said Onibudo. “Through my platform I am able to provide career advice and motivational content to uplift college students who are trying to overcome fear and fulfill their dreams.”

The entrepreneur hosts several events in the New Jersey area to provide NJ natives with opportunities that they don’t have to travel to New York to receive.  The Television and Digital Media Panel Discussion and Networking Event is something Onibudo has wanted to do at Bloomfield College for a quite some time now.

“Exposing college students to essential tools they need before entering the work place is so crucial for their success,” said Onibudo. “This event will provide Bloomfield College students with the ability to network with and learn from professionals. They will leave feeling empowered and motivated to chase their dreams fearlessly.”

“I am so excited to give back to my alma mater and I am looking forward to more collaboration in the future,” expressed Onibudo.

The event is sponsored by Unleashyourself.org, the Bloomfield College Center for Career Development, the Bloomfield College Broadcast Journalism Department, and REH.

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