From Classroom to Newsroom: A trainee’s First Day
By Harriet Otoku
The first day on the job is always a mix of excitement and nerves, but for a fresh industrial trainee, it’s a whole new world.
On 16th July, 2025 I stepped into the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as an IT student, my first day was a whirlwind of new experiences and challenges.
My first day at the news office started with a minor challenge.
I hopped into the elevator, pressed the button for the 4th floor (where my department was located), and waited.
The doors opened, and I stepped out, ready to start my day. But something was off.
The floor looked nothing like the photos I had seen. I was on the wrong floor! Panic set in as I realised I had no idea where I was.
After a moment of bewilderment, I decided to retrace my steps. I rode the elevator up and down, eventually finding my floor, thanks to a friendly Senior colleague who pointed me in the right direction.
It was a comical start to my training, and a great icebreaker with my new coworkers.
Stepping into the bustling news agency, I was immediately struck by the energy and the sheer scale of operations.
The air buzzed with a frenetic energy, a symphony of clicking keyboards and hushed tones of conversations, all working in sync to deliver the latest news.
The prospect of stepping into such a dynamic environment was both exhilarating and daunting. I was ready to dive headfirst into the world of digital journalism.
My assignment; the Multimedia Department. Stepping into the department felt like entering a creative hub.
Computer screens displayed breaking news, while a team of editors and designers worked with focused intensity. It was a world where visuals meet information.
My initial task was simple, to shadow the team and observe the workflow.
From video editing to graphic design, the department was a beehive of activities.
The day wasn’t just about observing. I was given a small task to write a compelling feature about my experience and what I want to offer to the department.
The feeling of contributing, of being part of the team, was immediate and rewarding.
The experience was a stark contrast to the theoretical world of the classroom.
It was a reminder that IT isn’t just about coding, it’s about solving real-world problems.
I realised that my theoretical knowledge was now being put to the test in a real-world setting.
The day ended with a sense of accomplishment and excitement.
The experience taught me the importance of practical skills and the value of hands-on learning.
It was a day of challenges, but also a day of growth, and it solidified my passion for the field.
I left NAN that day with a sense of a renewed appreciation for the power of digital journalism and New Media.(NAN)
Otoku is an IT student from Veritas University, Abuja.
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