The Biggest Lessons I Learned From AAJA ‘22
At the end of July, I attended the Asian American Journalists Association convention in Los Angeles. It was an incredibly important step in my journey as an up-and-coming reporter, where I picked up new skills and learned crucial lessons at the intersection of Asian American/Pacific Islander history and journalism.
Here are some of the most important takeaways I had from AAJA 2022.
Journalists Need to Keep Up with the Times
Among the panels I attended, all of them emphasized the need to keep up with modern reporting in many ways, from using the correct terminology to the most up-to-date technology. The past two years and change have taught us plenty about working under less-than-ideal conditions, and it is not uncommon to encounter another Zoom interview in 2022.
Another trend that the industry has incorporated (and one I have experience with) is data visualization. I have a brief Computer Science background, coding websites and other small projects in my spare time. It has been wonderful to find out that CS and journalism are becoming more intertwined in recent years.
Constantly staying refreshed in the industry is crucial for success. Though it may be an old reminder, it is still an important one for all journalists–including students—in order to do their jobs effectively.
It is Okay (and Now Encouraged) to Bring Your Authentic Self to Work
A question brought up in an NBCU panel, “The Racism Virus”, asked about balancing our professional selves with our personal selves, an aspect of the job that is now more important than ever. The responses to this taught me that it is okay to truly “be yourself” at work, a phrase and trait that is encouraged outside of the workplace and is becoming more important inside of it, too.
Authenticity is critical in order to foster a positive work environment, and it was wonderful that this lesson was emphasized over the course of the four days. In an adage that I even heard during an orientation presentation here at Emerson: “Be yourself, because everyone else is taken.”
Take Advantage of Opportunities
I learned this lesson in more ways than one throughout AAJA 22. Every time I introduced myself as a student journalist and incoming college freshman, recruiters and reporters seemed impressed that I was taking this crucial step at such a young age (I befriended a fellow incoming first-year and also met a rising high school senior during a panel). I received this piece of advice multiple times in talks with recruiters, and they noted how I was already living out this lesson by simply showing up to this convention. I felt encouraged (and I hope they did too) that student journalists–the industry’s future–were present and engaged at AAJA 22.
Increased Representation is Great, But More Needs to Be Done
The final lesson I learned throughout my time at AAJA 22 was that, while the growing AAPI representation deserves to be celebrated, it does not end here. Over the course of the convention, there was an emphasis on a need for “more”: more reporters, more directors, and more producers of AAPI descent entering the journalism field. I couldn't agree more.
It is fantastic that AAPIs are getting their feet in the door in such a competitive industry, and I am encouraged by the stories of news organizations hiring more of them week after week. When it comes to increasing representation, it is a marathon and not a sprint. Still, I am greatly encouraged by the growth of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the journalism industry, and I hope to join their ranks in a few years’ time.
Advice From Reporters
I also had the privilege of meeting reporters whose work I’ve admired from afar. While I approached them after the panels for a picture, I also asked them for career advice. Below are some of the common ones I received:
Keep your head up; the business is hard
When it comes to sports play-by-play, you could use iconic phrases from your mentors/idols, but be sure to find your own thing (it will take some time)
Work hard and opportunities will come
It’s okay to show your emotions; journalists are human first
Get internships and make the most of them
Ignore the trolls and keep being yourself
Overall, I loved my time at my first AAJA convention–from the panels I attended to the new friends and connections I made–and will take these lessons with me through college and beyond.
