Giada Balloch | Contributing Writer
Hoping to inspire the next generation of journalists, a talent acquisition manager at NBC Universal offered advice to students in professional development and on how to succeed in their careers
James Arroyave brought more than 16 years of experience and a degree in International Relations from FIU, his work has been outstanding. With 31 Telemundo and 11 NBC-owned and operated stations throughout the nation, his responsibilities encompass acquisition and direct talent sourcing.
Arroyave showcases expertise in finding the right people for jobs, building strong connections with clients and managing projects well.
He shared his knowledge by giving a presentation in the Lee Caplin School of Journalism and Media on FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus in North Miami.
His multifaceted approach ensures the seamless acquisition of top-tier talent, contributing significantly to the success of NBC’s expansive television network.
He emphasized the significance of cultivating a broad skill set while underscoring the importance of becoming an expert in a specific area.
“It’s crucial to be versatile, but don’t spread yourself too thin,” said Arroyave.
Encouraging students to recognize and cultivate their distinctive strengths, he advised that expertise in a specific field distinguishes individuals from the rest.
During his presentation, he emphasized, “Mastery in a particular domain sets you apart,” bringing students into the realm of personal branding—a concept often underestimated by many.
It is of great importance to remember that your own brand goes beyond a well-designed resume. It’s about how students present themselves and how others perceive them.
“Your personal brand is your professional identity. Craft it with intention and authenticity,” he remarked, challenging future employers to be mindful of their online presence and professional image.
This underlines the importance of carefully curating and managing how you appear on digital platforms. Examples include but are not limited to avoiding controversial posts, sharing professional content and updating LinkedIn profiles. Overall, it’s about strategically shaping an online persona that reflects your career goals and values.
Networking emerged as a recurrent theme in Arroyave’s discourse. He urged the participants to move beyond superficial connections and engage in meaningful conversations. He explained that networking is different from reaching out to hunt for a job. It’s about making connections with people who maybe one day are going to become your mentors.
It’s understanding others and presenting the specific ways you can contribute. Students, eager to navigate the professional landscape, found resonance in his focus on authenticity and establishing genuine relationships.
The Society of Professional Journalists’ event also highlighted the crucial role of LinkedIn in modern career development. “Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression you make on potential employers. Keep it polished, updated and use it strategically” he advised.
Students were encouraged to leverage the platform for professional growth and visibility. He also went over some resumes, giving advice on how to improve them.
As the session concluded, James Arroyave left with a final piece of advice: “Be confident. A well-prepared individual not only secures better job opportunities but also commands higher starting salaries.” The room buzzed with motivated students eager to apply his wisdom to their own career journeys.
It’s Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media not Lee Chaplin