Expert advice given at Career Day

Panelists at the CSUN Journalism Department’s recent Career Day spoke about how the character traits of adaptability, resilience and perseverance are woven together for those working in journalism and public relations. 
 
“You need to be able to adapt or you won’t stay very long in your career. Adaptation is a must,” said Javier Renovato, a CSUN Journalism Class of 2005 alum who is now a sports producer at Telemundo Los Angeles. “You’re going to make mistakes. Once you learn from them, you will be moving forward.”
 
Paul Breton, managing director for public relations agency Allison Worldwide, gave the example of how technology is constantly changing—think artificial intelligence—and thus, professionals must adapt or be left behind. “AI is like the transition from fax to email, but times 10,” said Breton. On the topic of resilience, he said, “Your career path will not turn out the way you planned. You are going to not get an opportunity you try for. If you treat it like a growth moment, you will be OK.”
 
The phrase “Never give up,” is pervasive in American culture and inspires many to keep going in the face of challenges. However, Gabriel Lerner, editor emeritus of La Opinión and co-editor and founder of HispanicLA.com, cautioned against leaning too heavily into those three words: “Sometimes you have to give up and change direction. Wait a minute and then take another direction.”
 
Rosa Valle-Lopez, who had a 30-year career in local TV news before becoming a public affairs specialist for the Drug Enforcement Administration, said it’s important to have “curiosity, passion and respect.”