With the deadline ticking down to just two hours, Julia Holman perfects her latest story in the bustling edit suite for ABC’s 7.30.
From her days as a journalism student at UTS to her thrilling national story chase, Julia’s career is a masterclass in tenacity and connection. She always knew she wanted to be a journalist, and her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
At UTS, she studied a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) and a Bachelor of International Studies, and it set the stage for an impactful and inspiring career.
“As a journalist, you need to be willing to talk to people and do anything to form a connection – pick up the phone, attend events, stop people in the streets. It can be scary, but it will be worth it.”
Julia’s willingness to engage with people from all walks of life has been key to her success. Her time at UTS, combined with her drive to pursue every opportunity, helped her build the skills needed for a dynamic journalism career.
“As a journalist, you need to be willing to talk to people and do anything to form a connection – pick up the phone, attend events, stop people in the streets. It can be scary, but it will be worth it.”
Julia Holman
Journalist and UTS graduate
Learning in country and abroad
Starting as a rural reporter for the ABC in locations such as Canberra, Tamworth, Bega and Mildura, Julia’s early career was marked by a diverse range of experiences. She then moved to the Triple J Hack team in Parliament House, where she immersed herself in the political landscape during some of Australia’s most turbulent political times.
“Working for Hack on triple j in the Press Gallery in Canberra was a career highlight,” she says. The period included Julia Gillard’s government, Kevin Rudd’s return and the first year of Tony Abbott’s leadership.
Julia spent time abroad as part of her studies which was transformative, pushing her out of her comfort zone and helping her develop adaptability and confidence. These qualities have been invaluable in her role as a journalist, allowing her to handle challenging situations easily.
She enjoys the privilege of talking to influential figures and securing high-profile interviews. “Working for 7.30 allows me to call up just about anyone in the world to request an interview, and the thrill when a high-profile interview comes through is hard to beat,” she says.
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