Lisa Robinson

I chose to study postgraduate journalism at UTS because of the faculty’s reputation for hands-on experience. I was working full-time and I needed a course that offered night classes and would teach me the necessary practical skills to be a multi-platform reporter. We jumped straight into it: by the end of first semester I had reported from the Sydney Writers’ Festival and made a video news package. The lecturers are all experienced journalists who help perfect your interview techniques, develop your story ideas and get your work published. I got a real kick out of seeing my name and my article published online for the first time.

I learnt a broad range of journalism skills, everything from interview techniques and pitching story ideas to practical skills like operating a video camera and putting together radio packages. My confidence grew with each semester as I got used to going out on jobs, approaching people for interviews and writing quickly for deadlines. By the end of the course I had a string of published articles for my portfolio from the internships I’d done through UTS, which looked fantastic to prospective employers.

My journey since graduation

I always knew that I wanted to work in a newsroom so I applied for a job at Australian Associated Press (AAP), the national newswire, and I was lucky enough to score a News Intern position. I worked on the entertainment desk for six months and in general news for six months, writing articles every day that are published on numerous different websites. I’m now a cadet journalist at AAP, learning the ropes as I rotate through the different desks: sport, horseracing, finance, general news, video, etc. I absolutely love it.

A typical day for me

It’s an early start, I’m normally at the office by 7am to get news out in time for morning commuters. The days vary: I might go out to a press conference and file text, pictures and video, or I might stay in the office and interview people on the phone. When I’m on the general news desk I might write six articles a day, but when I’m on racing I might only write one or two longer stories. I learn so much each day because I have to cover topics I know little about. It’s challenging but hugely rewarding.

My advice to aspiring journalists

Get as much experience as you can! Put your hand up for any opportunities and internships that come your way. Employers what to see that you’re driven, that you’re up for a challenge and that you have a passion for news. It could be a long journey with lots of rejection letters before you land that dream job, but don’t give up.