Pursue a career in the media, The National’s editor-in-chief urges young job seekers

Mohammed Al Otaiba, editor-in-chief of The National, said newspapers play a vital role in society.

ABU DHABI // Curious, bookworm, storyteller, inquisitive, plucky, confident, bright, intelligent and tenacious.

Do these attributes describe you? If so, you may just be the perfect candidate to work at The National.

Editor-in-chief Mohammed Al Otaiba yesterday made the pitch to young job seekers at the Spring Career Fair at Abu Dhabi University.

“There are a variety of job opportunities at The National,” said Mr Al Otaiba. “It’s not all about writing news. There is production, there is online, there is designing.”

Mr Al Otaiba introduced the youth to the inner workings of a newsroom and described the different responsibilities of reporters, editors, designers, translators and photographers in producing a daily print and online newspaper.

He also talked about newspapers’ important role in society.

“There is a responsibility for the media, for the paper in this case, to be involved, to be out there, to share stories that try to affect, give ideas,” said Mr Al Otaiba. “We are participants. We are there to be part of the public, to show what’s of public interest and raise awareness about certain issues.”

Mr Al Otaiba encouraged candidates to apply for internships and year-long training programmes that match recruits with mentors.

“It allows that person to see and get a good orientation of the place and understand every section in the hopes that he or she might discover something new,” he said.

“And, of course, we have fantastic editors at The National and they are always giving you the support you’re looking for.”