The Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network (MCDN), Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, has advised media practitioners to adopt strategic planning, clear goal-setting, and deliberate networking to achieve meaningful career growth.
Otufodunrin gave this advice during the second webinar of the Media Career Fix Programme organised by MCDN and held on Zoom, titled “Getting and Accessing Support for Your Career Development” on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
ThelensNG reports that, following the hybrid launch of the programme, which featured a keynote address titled “Fixing Media Career Development Challenges” delivered by Editor of Gist Nigeria and Career Mentor at BBC, Omotola Adebanjo, at the International Press Centre in Ogba, Lagos, on April 9, the first webinar was led by Founder of Debisibusybee Media, Adebisi Adetunji, who spoke on “Career Clarity, Mapping and Actualisation” on April 23.
Speaking during the session, Otufodunrin stressed that success in the media space goes beyond mere ambition, noting that professionals must clearly define and document their career visions to attract support and opportunities.
Quoting Fela Durotoye, he said: “If your vision does not have a name, if you cannot properly articulate your vision in writing and spell it out with clear steps to be taken and be committed to acting on it, you don’t have a vision. What you have is a wish, not a vision. Nobody gives to or supports a wish.”
The veteran journalist highlighted key areas for career advancement, including skill expansion, audience growth, industry networking, storytelling excellence, and leadership development. He encouraged media practitioners to invest in advanced training, while also building a strong personal brand through consistent and engaging content.
On networking, he advised participants to connect with colleagues, mentors, and industry leaders, as well as engage with professional bodies, associations, and media support organisations both locally and internationally. According to him, understanding what these organisations offer and actively participating in their programmes can unlock access to grants, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities.
He further emphasised the importance of being proactive and intentional in seeking support. “You must know what you want, identify those who can help you, and be bold enough to ask for it,” he stated.
Otufodunrin advised participants to maximise opportunities by showcasing their work, sharing knowledge gained from training, and maintaining relationships with individuals and organisations that support their growth. He pointed out volunteering and continuous engagement as effective ways to build visibility and credibility.
He also urged media professionals to combine humility with boldness, adding that positioning oneself as a strong candidate requires passion, competence, and a willingness to take initiative.
