WSU graduate advises students on career direction after university
By Makayla Muscat
The opportunities students embrace during university play an instrumental role in preparing for a career in journalism. This idea was presented by Jacqueline Howard in an online guest lecture to students at Western Sydney University, on September 9.
The subjects, experiences, and support offered at university help students develop the skills required to work in incredibly varied jobs. Howard noted the relevance of studying news reporting, feature writing, news teams, media law and photojournalism to her career. She says the course content was instrumental in setting her up for work. “I don’t think there’s a single subject that I did at uni that hasn’t come up in my working life,” she says.
Jacqueline Howard's presentation to WSU journalism students: Screenshot from online guest lecture.
Howard graduated from the Bachelor of Communication at Western Sydney University in 2017. Since she has worked in various roles as a producer and journalist at ABC News, where she completed an internship in her final year of study. Currently her main roles are production, video editing and social media for ABC News Online.
Commenting on the diversity of the field, Howard emphasises that students must not rely entirely on university. Proactively seeking internships and getting involved in extra-curricular activities is beneficial to graduates applying for work. She advises students to “look around for extra opportunities to get yourself more experience,” and stand out on paper when competing for jobs.
She says pushing herself to sign up for the overseas reporting trip in her third year at university helped with overcoming her anxiety around conducting interviews. The guidance and specific advice Howard received in Fiji helped her gain the confidence to conduct further interviews independently. “Being surrounded by my peers and the lecturers really helped me to overcome that anxiety,” she says.
Howard interviewing Deputy Labor Leader Tanya Plibersek for LOTL Magazine. Photo: Twitter (@Jacq_Howard 15/11/17)
An article by Times Higher Education, also provides tips for making the most of the university experience. Justine Baek recommends taking an active role in learning, enriching student life by getting involved outside the classroom, and travelling abroad. “You have the chance to taste-test different programmes, learn from experts in diverse fields and explore your passions,” she says.
Howard says multiple skills are required for work in journalism. It is important to be “digitally fluent” and flexible. She also advises students to have a general knowledge of topics such as politics and the environment, so they can provide context to the things they are reporting on. “You need a base knowledge of everything, because you will be required to do a huge range of things,” she says.
A BBC article identifies five key skills required to work in digital journalism According to editor Steve Herrmann a legal knowledge, awareness of how social media works, and an understanding of visual storytelling is vital. An understanding, interest, appreciation and awareness of how to tell stories is key, he says.
Several students who attended the online lecture say they were inspired by Howard and her experience. “I found what stuck with me most was when she spoke of her personal insights, gained from working in the industry. Her tips on finding a good story also resonated with me,” says Tahli Blackman, 18.
“I want to copy what she has done to get where she is,” says Kylie Baxter, 20.
“I found Jacqueline’s guest lecture super helpful. It provided me with great advice that I can use to kickstart my own career during uni,” says Imogen Thew, 19.
Howard’s advice has inspired students to get involved in the opportunities available during university. Jobs in journalism are diverse and graduates need to have multiple skills to succeed in their careers.