Editor’s note: For 15 years, the local chapter of the San Diego Association of Black Journalists holds its Pro for a Day event, bringing together college students from all over San Diego County for a day-long bootcamp at Southwestern College. Some of San Diego’s finest pros share their knowledge with the students, giving them practical experience along with mentorship. Editor-in-Chief Jonny Rico and Visuals Editor David Ahumada were on hand representing the City Times. Below is a recap of the day by Ahumada.

On Nov. 10, the San Diego Association of Black Journalists’ “pro for a day” was an event where aspiring journalists got an opportunity to simulate what a real-world breaking news experience is like. The event was hosted by the SDABJ and held at Southwestern College in Chula Vista, CA.

Included were panelists from the industry from NBC7, CBS8, ESPN, Star 94.1, Voice of San Diego and the Union Tribune with lectures like how to get real industry jobs, best practices and support on how to write stories for print and broadcast.

Designed by industry professionals, attendees got to practice broadcast, print, social media and photography journalism from a mock press conference that mimicked what a real newsroom scenario would be like.

The day lasted from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and students worked on deadline from 11:30 a.m. to about 3:30 p.m., following the mock press conference.

Overall, it gave student journalists an opportunity to network, gain experience and to receive feedback from professionals in a learning environment.

San Diego City College was represented by Newscene’s Celia Jimenez, Jonny Rico and David Ahumada from the City Times.

All of the students’ work can be viewed on the PFAD website.