FAMU's Grads Are Back connects students with alumni and career opportunities
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University's School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (SJGC) welcomed alumni and industry professionals to campus Oct. 21-22 for its annual Grads Are Back celebration, connecting students with career opportunities, mentorship and insights into the evolving media industry.
Held during FAMU's homecoming week, the celebration’s theme was “Shift Happens: Define Your Next,” emphasizing the importance of adaptability as artificial intelligence and otheremerging technologies continue to reshape communications careers.
Established in 2014, Grads Are Back has become an annual homecoming tradition at SJGC. For more than a decade, the program has brought accomplished alumni back to campus to share their professional experiences, provide mentorship and connect students with career opportunities through panel discussions, specialized training and networking events.
Panelists engage with attendees during a Grads Are Back discussion at FAMU’s School
of Journalism & Graphic Communication. (Photo courtesy of Christian Whitaker)
Professionals represented organizations including CNN, ESPN, ProPublica and Newell Brands.
Elise Durham, a 1991 broadcast journalism graduate and co-chair of Grads Are Back, said the event helps students navigate careers increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and independent content creation.
“It's really about leaning into that creative energy, to figure out what that next looks like for you,” Durham said.
The celebration opened Oct. 21 with a program marking the 50th anniversary of WANM-FM 90.5, FAMU's campus radio station. The program honored alumni and broadcasting pioneers who helped shape the station and highlighted its role in preparing media professionals. a
The Knight Chair Speaker Series featured “The Power Shift: Who Controls the Story Now?” The discussion examined artificial intelligence, the importance of public trust and the skills communications professionals need to remain competitive. Featured participants included Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Corey Johnson of ProPublica, Vicki Bradley, news director at WTXL ABC 27; and Brian Rice, global vice president and head of design at Newell Brands.
Among the featured discussions was “Inside CNN: Rattlers Shaping What's Next,” which brought together FAMU alumni working in various roles at CNN to share perspectives on building careers in national news.
A presenter discusses brand design with attendees during Grads Are Back at FAMU’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication. (Photo courtesy of Christian Whitaker)
Other sessions included “Game-Day Ready: How to Score Your First Sports Gig,” featuring professionals connected to ESPN and the sports media industry, and “Beyond the Byline: From Journalism to Film,” which explored how journalism skills can translate into careers in film, screenwriting and directing.
Durham also emphasized the value of connecting students with alumni working in their chosen fields.
“This is about seeing alumni who are doing what these students want to do, knowing that they can see themselves in them, and making the connections to help make that next step not so hard,” Durham said.
The SJGC Homecoming Career Fairbrought together more than25 employers and provided students with opportunities to explore internships, employment and professional connections.
Ranata Hughes, an educator and internship coordinator at SJGCC, said the event reflects the school's commitment to professional development and maintaining meaningful relationships with graduates.
An attendee poses beside a poster promoting “Game-Day Ready: How to Score Your First Sports Gig,” a Grads Are Back session focused on careers in the sports industry. (Photo courtesy of Christian Whitaker)
The career fair also allowed alumni to return as recruiters seeking students for internships and jobs.
Hughes said she hoped students left with useful information from employers and greater confidence in their abilities.
In addition to networking with alumni and employers, students learned about campus resources available to support their career development.
Tracey-Ann Wiggan, a health science major in the general studies track, and career peer educator at FAMU's Career and Development Center, said events like Grads Are Back help connect students with services designed to prepare them for the workforce.
“We just really want to let them know to take advantage of the opportunities that are here on campus to get them career ready,” Wiggan said.
The center offers free professional headshots, resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation and career exploration services. Students can schedule in-person or virtual appointments through Handshake.
Wiggan also encouraged students to connect with alumni to learn about their experiences entering the workforce, pursuing graduate education and finding career opportunities that align with their interests.
Grads Are Back attendees capture a selfie during the event at FAMU’s School of Journalism
& Graphic Communication. (Photo courtesy of Christian Whitaker)For Cierra Busby, a 2011 graduate of FAMU's public relations program and assistant director of digital and social media at UT Southwestern Medical Center, returned to share her experience with students.
Busby credited her professors and involvement with Prodigy, FAMU's student public relations firm, with helping her develop skills she still uses.
Since graduating, Busby has witnessed social media become an essential tool for marketing, public relations and communications professionals.
“The shift has allowed communications to reach audiences directly and tell stories across digital platforms,” Busby said.
Through alumni mentorship, industry discussions and access to employers, Grads Are Back gave students opportunities to explore career paths and build professional relationships before graduation.
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
