Dive Into The Media Industry at Texas State University With Nick Whitaker

Photo of Nick Whitaker by Dominique Hutchinson

SAN MARCOS, TEXAS –––– Wednesday, Oct 26, at 3:30 p.m. in the Alkelk Library at Texas State University, Media Outreach Manager Nick Whitaker of Google’s News Lab gave a presentation to students on working in the media industry alongside Google for Mass Communication Week. Whitaker is a product marketing manager at Google, however, this job was not handed to him but through his dedication he was able to obtain a job in which he loved. “Always stay hungry…I believe when you become comfortable, you lose your passion” says Whitaker. Whitaker’s presentation discussed many of the jobs offered for mass communication majors and many opportunities in which students can grasp while continuing their education.
    From explaining how to use a 360 degree selfie stick, to job opportunities, to virtual reality, Whitaker allowed students to have a look on what seems to be the next big thing. “Data journalism is becoming more mainstream than it was years ago” he says. Social media has changed the world of journalism, but journalists are riding the wave. Google has many search engines in order to cater to their audience. If information is not available in a certain time frame, chances are the consumer will look elsewhere to obtain the information needed. Whitaker discussed with students that no matter the job in which they would obtain, they would have to be fast, efficient, and network as best as they can.
    “Just what kind of job can I get with my communications degree” says a female viewer in the audience, in which Whitaker replied with “anything”. The main focus in which Whitaker had stressed was networking and having a passion for what you do. With processing theses two important elements, one could obtain anything. At Whitaker’s GooglePlus, one can follow him on social media and also obtain more information on jobs, different outlooks on the industry, or simply for questions.

by Dominique Hutchinson, Electronic Media Major at Texas State University.