​In a move to bridge the gap between lessons and practicals, Camer Today News Project – CTNP organized a transformative workshop for Journalism Students.

Held under the “Newsroom Realities: Lessons for Young Journalists”, the workshop that took place on March 14, was hosted at the headquarters of The Guardian Post in Yaounde.

The session targeted final-year students and recent graduates from the University of Bamenda – UBa, the University of Buea – UB, and the Advanced School of Mass Communication – ASMAC.

The initiative aimed to demystify the daunting leap from academic lecture halls to the high-pressure environment of professional media.

​The workshop featured insights from award-winning business reporter Cynthia Ebot, who emphasized that mastery of the craft must begin during the student years. She urged participants to prioritize the basics of writing and to seek out practical opportunities early.

Ebot equally highlighted the importance of professional visibility and integrity, particularly for women in the industry. She advised them to build strategic connections while maintaining high ethical standards so as to avoid compromising positions.

Complementing the newsroom perspective, Njie Enow Ebai, Account Director at APO Group, provided a roadmap for navigating both traditional and corporate media spaces.

He stressed that a journalist’s reputation is forged as early as their first internship and encouraged students to develop a specialized “beat” to build a recognizable personal brand. Ebai noted that consistency and a high volume of quality work are essential for establishing a long-term professional identity.

In response to the shifting media landscape, Ebai called on the next generation to embrace digital platforms and international tools such as Muck Rack and Pay Desk. He explained that understanding audience angling and platform-specific requirements is key to expanding one’s reach beyond national borders. Despite the “bad and crazy days” inherent in the profession, he urged aspiring storytellers to remain persistent and clear about the values that drive their work.

The impact of the session was deeply felt by the participants, who described the training as a vital confidence booster. Recent graduates and current students alike noted that the workshop helped them identify gaps in their skills and provided the motivation needed to strive for excellence.

Many expressed a renewed commitment to working with discipline and integrity, viewing their future roles not just as careers, but as opportunities to educate and serve their communities.

The workshop marked the second in a series by the Camer Today News Project dedicated to honoring Women’s History Month. Co-founder Giyo Ndzi explained that the initiative was born from a need to bridge the “knowledge gap” in Cameroon’s media ecosystem.

By starting at the base with student development, the CTNP hopes to create a safer, more sustainable, and more professional environment for both male and female journalists over the coming decade.