“In the English language, it all comes down to this: Twenty-six letters, when combined correctly, can create magic. Twenty -six letters form the foundation of a free, informed society.”
-Josh Grogan

If you envisage the field of journalism as a ‘blokey’ profession and were lucky enough to attend the October ‘Curtin Newsspeak Industry Panel’ that picture might have changed. Presenters and attendees were largely from the female gender. In fact, according to ABS data, gender is almost equally split with 45.2% males and 45.1& females working full-time.

Each of the seven presenters from different genres of journalism: print, corporate media management, radio and television, spoke for about ten minutes on their entry into journalism in a bid to project the passion, proactivity and stamina needed to get started as a Journalist. Humour, colourful language and their intrepid dedication was used to convey just what is needed. And this was riveting stuff.

Key messages were similar: be persistent, be bloody passionate, work hard, find a balance (you’ll be working twelve hour days) and, most of all, get work experience. In fact, get work experience and as much as you can came across from every speaker. Handy hint: if you start early in your studies and stagger work experience there will be no need to try to cram it all in. Also, if you opt for not-for-profits as a ‘volunteer,’ this allows for unlimited participation.

At the end of the presentations I asked a student “How are you feeling after all that, invigorated?” and he replied “Intimidated!” True enough, if these speakers are anything to go by, this field is not for shrinking violets, if you want to make it, you are going to have to be tough.

Useful Work Experience Info and Resources

• Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance publication a Definition of Journalists’ Grades
• Curtin Careers & Employment Centre provides work cover insurance
• Fair Work Ombudsman guidelines for unpaid work
• Arts Law Alliance also provides good resources on protecting your work
• Four Types of Journalists: How they tick and what we can learn from them

This event was filmed and this will be made available via one of the Newsspeak channels shortly