In a market that’s being dominated by social media, Dan Cho, the head of the social media department at Turner Broadcasting, said that students seeking careers in the broadcasting field need to evolve as fast as the media landscape around them.

After being introduced by TBS and TNT Chief Catalyst Officer Jeff Gregor, Cho spoke about the future of television to a packed crowd in the JVH Auditorium as guests of the Pittsburgh Center for Sports Media and Marketing last Thursday.

“Our industry moves really fast,” Cho said. “Part of my job is to keep up with that.”

With media changing constantly, to stay viable, companies need to keep up to date on social trends and be innovative at producing and marketing products. Younger generations are vital to that, Cho said.

He gave the example of social media “influencers,” millennials who become celebrities in digital space. Companies pay people with a lot of followers on social media to promote the company’s product, an idea that never crossed the minds of older generations.

Cho gave advice to students who see themselves being a part of the innovative future of media.  The job market is difficult to get into because of media’s high demand. He told students how to make themselves stand out.

“It’s what you do as an individual,” Cho said. “If you do things on a personal level, it really differentiates yourself. It shows that you really care and you’re passionate.”

He also stressed the importance of internships and experience outside of the university. Students should get any experience they can, no matter the popularity of the company.

“Don’t underestimate small companies,” Cho said. “They can give you the experience and networking needed to advance a career. It’s all about timing, but when you’re there, show some interest.”

Cho said speaking out is important, even if public speaking is not a strong point. In order to advance your career, it is important to speak out.

“We want to hire the kid in the front of the class always raising their hand,” Cho said. “If you speak in meetings, in class, then at work, that is an effective way to advance your career. You need to have a voice.”

Because of all the different platforms for media, students should be versatile. There are many different forms of media to study.

“There are so many different entrances into this field,” Cho said. “Be an expert in as many forms of media as you can. Media, social, digital, mobile, all of them.”

Data and statistical analysis is showing itself more in the media field. Many companies are using data to create a more personalized experience for the customer.

“It’s kind of nerdy, but one thing that’s really important is analytics,” Cho said. “Analytics is the future. If you can do math so many opportunities open up to people.”

Cho captivated the students with ease and reached students from many different majors.

Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management freshman Jonathan Hanks attended the event as a  class requirement.

“I still would have gone even if I didn’t go with my class,” Hanks said. “I now know I need to think ahead when keeping up with media trends.”

Freshman Taylor Spirito is a broadcast reporting major who wants to keep up with trends in her major.

“Millennials have a reputation that we expect everything to be handed to us,” Spirito said. “He kept emphasizing how we need to be persistent. That’s important for us to hear. He spoke about media in a very ‘figure it out’ kind of way. That’s very relateable and realistic when talking about social media because it never stops changing.”