Ben Kangwa
Former Masters student Ben Kangwa tells us how Cardiff led to the Zambian Embassy in Washington DC.
Course Studied: MA Journalism Studies
Graduation Year: 1994
Current Employer: Zambian Government – Zambian Embassy Washington DC
Position: Press Secretary
Briefly describe your current position.
I am the Press Secretary in charge of Press and Public Relations. My main portfolio enables me to advise the Ambassador on daily issues of the press in the USA and at home. Creating networks and marketing presentations of Zambia are also part of my portfolio. I am also involved in attending alll meetings that are assigned to me by the Ambassador and in turn later prepare executive briefs for such meetings.
What is the best thing about your current position?
It enables me to meet and create networks with new people all the time. The exposure is just beyond imagination knowing that I am in the World’s Capital where the power of the world is.
How well did your JOMEC education prepare you for your current position?
International politics - as in how the USA elections are conducted, especially the use of TV - has helped me understand the power of the electronic media.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
The British Press and Politics. How the British media covers or used to cover Northern Ireland, the Royal family and generally the day to day life of the British citizens. Comparisons between daily papers such as the Sun, the Mirror, Sunday People as compared to the Financial Times or the Herald. I also enjoyed the interaction of different people from different cultural backgrounds. It was amazing that we could all come together for one common purpose and understand each other.
What are your plans and hopes for your professional future?
Well, looks to me like I am now destined for diplomacy but at the back of my head, I will always be a true professional journalist.