Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a print journalist. In high school, a few teachers tried to steer me in a different direction because getting a job in the media was so difficult even then, but I was determined to make it happen.
I studied for a double degree in journalism and business management and graduated in 2007. Despite the naysayers, I immediately landed a full-time cadetship job at a newspaper. I believe three things got me over the line.
I did as much work experience as possible
When I wasn’t at university, I did as much work experience as I could. While my friends were busy enjoying their time off school by going to the beach or the movies, I was cutting my teeth in a newsroom. My degree required a minimum of one internship, but I wanted to do extras.
I often found it super intimidating and felt out of my depth, but I gained real-world experience that proved to be invaluable. Doing work experience meant that by the time I graduated and was out there looking for a job, I already had my byline published in multiple publications and a portfolio of work to show prospective employers.
In my one and only job interview, the chief of staff wasn’t interested in my university grades. In fact, I don’t think he even asked about them. He wanted to see examples of my published work. The work experience I’d done definitely paid off.
I persevered
Where I lived on the Gold Coast in Australia, there was only one daily newspaper, the Gold Coast Bulletin, and I was desperate to work for them.
Back then, there was a scholarship program that high school seniors could apply for. It was a four-year program alternating work and study, with a guaranteed position as a newspaper journalist upon completion. Successful candidates could study for their Bachelor of Journalism at Bond University and work as a paid cadet journalist at the Gold Coast Bulletin on a semester-on, semester-off basis. I applied, but I missed out.
Even though I was extremely disappointed, I didn’t let it discourage me. They say that there are many pathways to the same destination, and it’s so true. I went to university for four years, then reapplied for a job with the Gold Coast Bulletin in 2007.
When I called and asked the chief of staff if they had any work available, he said they didn’t. I dropped off my résumé and portfolio anyway with reception. Later that afternoon, he called me back and said to come for an interview.
The chief of staff gave me a chance and offered me a position on the copy desk, which basically involved answering phones and writing about kids’ sporting achievements. It opened a door, and I was grateful that my perseverance paid off.
I was realistic about having to work my way up
Though the copy desk wasn’t exactly where I wanted to be, the newsroom was, and I knew that I had to start somewhere.
I’d also conceded that if I didn’t land a job at the Gold Coast, I was willing to move elsewhere to get started in a career in journalism. I think that being flexible and having realistic expectations about working your way up to where you want to be is really important as a graduate.
I ended up working at the Gold Coast Bulletin for three years, then traveling and working odd jobs while overseas. I returned to a newsroom as a print journalist in Melbourne in 2014, and then in 2015, I started my own copywriting business. Nowadays, I work from home and write freelance parenting, travel, and lifestyle articles for a range of publications. I still love my work.
I always tell my kids to reach for the stars and follow their dreams, even if they seem difficult to achieve. I did, and I never looked back.
