Gutsy media studies graduate keeps dream alive
Passionate media studies graduate Ziyanda Bam said her struggle over the past year to find a permanent job has not deterred her from continuing to look for employment, and she is hopeful that with perseverance and determination, she will find her dream job.
She matriculated from Khumbulani High School in 2013 and, in 2014, enrolled at Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth to pursue her BA in media, communication and culture studies.
“I have always been passionate about studying how media influences people and how that influence can be used as a means to communicate and instill an idea in people.”
Bam said tertiary education for her was not a walk in the park as she had many obstacles to overcome in the process to obtain her degree.
“There were so many financial issues such as not having funding. This led to challenges such as not seeing my results for an entire year, but still had to go class and write exams.”
Despite facing all the challenges in 2018, Bam graduated with both her undergraduate and honours degrees in media studies.
She then joined a variety of media houses such as Mbokodo productions in Port Elizabeth as a media and marketing consultant intern.
Bam then joined Bay TV later that year as an intern. She said she believes the skills she has acquired will make her a valuable asset to any organisation willing to hire her.
“I managed the implementation of PR plans, concepts and strategies; planning and organising promotional activities such as events sponsorships, TV interviews, creating content and social media management; drafting formal documentation and media liaison.
“Out of all of this I learnt that working in the field is quite different to studying. The deadlines come earlier and you are required to bring in your best work. That is probably the best thing about working in an office.”
Bam said her public relations and communications qualification is the practice of managing the spread of information between a client or a company and the public. It also includes working with brands to increase its awareness through various methods such as marketing, digital marketing and events management.
She said in order to do well in the field, you need to possess good communication skills, creativity, time management and research skills.
To pass time, Bam has joined a business management course which she says will help her sharpen her business skills.
“Sometimes waiting for a job will get you nowhere. I have learnt that I can also create job opportunities by starting my own business, so I just need to learn more on managing a business.”
For those looking to hire Ziyanda Bam, contact her on 063-650-5282.
● If you are an unemployed graduate and would like to be featured on Dispatch Careers page, send your CV and contact information to careers@dispatch.co.za.