An analysis of the exposure of media students in middle level colleges in relation to the careers in the media industry

Abstract

The best indicator of good learning process is dominance of experience in education otherwise known as experiential education. The level of exposure of students in relation to their careers has an influence on their professionalism later on in the job market. This paper sought to explore the extent which the training received in the middle level colleges prepare students for careers in the media industry. The study was carried out in middle level colleges offering journalism courses, in Eldoret Municipality. The target population were 72 respondents who comprised of 18 head of departments and 54 class representatives. The respondents who participated in the study were 63 respondents. The study collected data from sampled respondents by using Questionnaires and interview schedules. The findings of the study showed that the graduates from theses colleges were not exposed, hence making it difficult for these colleges to achieve their ideal role as training institutions. From the study finding, it was recommended that Journalism training programs in middle level colleges should be tailored in such a way that trainees are fully exposed to contemporary media issues in order to cope up with the changing needs in the field of journalism and media industry in general.