Ever had one of those moments where everything just clicks? That’s exactly what happened to me during the climate change media fellowship for reporters and researchers in West Africa, organised by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development and the Centre for Investigative Journalism (CIJ).
To many Nigerians, climate change seemed as distant and unrelatable as the weather on Mars. It felt vague and uninspiring—definitely not something people wanted to engage with.
Around that time, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin retweeted a piece by David I Adeleke on Communiqué about journalism in the creator economy. I read it and suddenly, the idea got clearer. I spoke with Akintunde O. Babatunde, the programme director at CJID, during the fellowship to discuss an idea and David, too. Their insights were like the final piece of a puzzle I didn’t even realise I was solving.
Three months later, TheClue Media was born to simplify climate change topics, tell other stories that truly matter and help young journalists grow.
This experience got me thinking about how we, as journalists, can make the most of fellowship opportunities. With some fellowships under my belt, both national and international, I’ve found that these experiences do more than just boost your CV. They can change how you approach storytelling and your career.
So, how can you maximise your fellowship experiences? Here are three solid, actionable tips:
1. Be a sponge, then a fountain
During your fellowship, soak up everything. That offhand comment from a guest speaker? The casual chat with a fellow participant? But don’t stop there. When you’re back at your desk, share what you’ve learned. Start a blog, host a webinar to share what you have learnt.
2. Build bridges, not just business cards
Fellowships are networking goldmines, but don’t just collect business cards. Focus on building genuine relationships. Follow up with the people you meet, share ideas, and collaborate. Remember, a strong network isn’t about quantity; it’s about quality. These connections can lead to future projects, job opportunities, or even lifelong friendships.
3. Turn ideas into action
Fellowships often spark new ideas—don’t let these fizzle out when you return to the daily grind. Take time to reflect and brainstorm how you can apply what you’ve learned. Pitch new story ideas to your editor, start a podcast, or launch a new initiative, just like I did. The key is to turn your fellowship from just a line on your CV into something that drives real change.
For me, fellowships are more than just accolades; they’re launchpads for growth and impact. So, the next time you find yourself in one, don’t just go through the motions. Dive in, build meaningful connections, and let your ideas take flight.
Have you had a fellowship experience that changed your career? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
#JournalismFellowships #CareerGrowth #NeverSettle
