Volunteering Landed Me A Job At Nation Media Group. Find Out How!

When Chris Oyier landed at Nation Media Group, he expected nothing more than gaining a three-month experience in media. What came out of his volunteering experience is however amazing to say the least- it landed him his dream job in the giant media house.
Career Point Kenya conversed with Mr Oyier who revealed how Nation Media Group has shaped his career in media.
He says it all started with an internship.
1. How Did You Land The Job At At Nation Media Group?
My career at Nation Media Group started when I successfully applied for an internship at the organization which I did for three months. After the three month internship I worked voluntarily for three other months in the same company before I was contracted by the company as a news reporter for Q TV Kenya.
2. How Did Volunteering At Nation Media Group Help You To Grow
Right from the beginning of my internship, I took all opportunities to learn not only what I do but also other skills that I may need in future like video editing and editorial work.
Since working at Nation Media Group was my first job, it acted as an eye opener for me. My job has also acquainted me with internal and external factors that are at play in the media business, of course real life application of some theory work that I learnt in campus like The Code of Ethics for Journalism in Kenya.
In one way or the other, this appointment served as a weigh bar for my performance in journalism and probably my success in my career in future.
I was charged with gathering news, writing news scripts, doing voice over for news story, covering live events, coming up with story ideas and concepts, doing features stories and weekly feature content for news.
Related: 5 Ways Volunteering Can Help You Find A Job
3. So, How Does It Feel Working With Nation Media Group?
Nation Media Group gives you a unique environment to prove key skills in journalism: confidence, competence and excellence.
Just an example here, I did my first live event coverage on 7th April 2015 at Nairobi’s Freedom corner in Uhuru park during A vigil mass in honour of the 147 Kenyans and students killed by al shaabab militia in Garissa University college. My boss later said, ” You did it just well, very well as if you have been doing it!”
Remember I was informed of this live event at around 10am and at 6:30pm, I was there for it. That is just the great mentorship of Nation Media Group.
Working at Nation Media Group was also a good environment to meet all big names across various fields I had always wanted to interact with and make contacts.
4. Any Challenges You Faced So Far?
Journalism is like a military job; you work under pressure, you go to work any time, day or night and you are always prepared for your weekends to be swallowed by some emergency jobs. With this experience, I believe one can do any other hectic job with ease.
Beating challenges is simple. While at work, think about your work, then later pick up your other issues as you leave the office in the evening.
5. Would You Recommend Someone To Start A Job At Nation Media Group?
Yes I would. The environment for learning the skills required for journalism is everywhere around you. Remember it is a big media company in Kenya and exposes one to the best tests in the field.
The presence of senior journalists is just another advantage for one to learn a few things from them.
6. What Was Most Challenging About The Job?
Meeting deadlines I would say. An example is when a planned interview that is supposed to air in the evening backfires at 2pm and you do not manage getting another interviewee with the same expertise.
In journalism, challenges never end. If you conquer one challenge, another one comes up almost immediately. Media is dynamic and changes are always difficult to adjust to, but adjusting is a must.
7. What Do You Like The Most About Nation Media Group?
I like the way employees from the various departments work together and interact freely with each other. I can tell you that with only three days at Nation Media Group, I felt like I have been there for 6 months
8. What Is Your Advice to Job Seekers Seeking to Work at Nation Media Group?
Just like one of my mentors told me in 2013 while I was attending my attachment at Royal Media Services, never allow anyone or anything prevent you from achieving you goals and dreams. Focus on what you want to do, believe in yourself, pray to God and work hard for it. Your dream will surely come true.
As a final shot, the Moi University Linguistics, Media & Communication graduate says with the experience and skills gained at the leading media in the region, he is ready to take the changing media world by the horns.
Related: My CV: How I Got An NGO Job After 5 Years Of Volunteering