Creating opportunities: work experience with WIN TV
Roving reporter Scott got to film his own news story as part of his work experience at WIN TV in Ballarat. Watch the story and find out what sort of tips he's got for getting work experience in TV.
If you're a journalism student, you're told one thing over and over: you need experience. And lots of it.
This was behind my decision to apply for work experience at WIN Television in Ballarat. Well, that and the fact that it was compulsory for my Journalism degree! But if you've ever thought of a career in television news, experience at a television newsroom is essential.
Finding Work Experience
Finding a work experience placement in the journalism industry is very difficult. There are hundreds of students wanting a position, yet very few actual placements available. Any advantage you can get, you need to take!
Here are some suggestions:
- Send an application to stations in regional areas such as WIN (new window), Prime (new window) or Southern Cross Ten (new window). Alternatively, try community stations like Channel 31 (new window). They usually have more spaces available and allow you to pursue more opportunities.
- Address your cover letter to someone who works at the station. This way your resume will be delivered straight to their desk. It also shows you've done your research. Search the station's website for a name to send your letter and resume to, or ring them to ask about work experience and get a name over the phone.
- If you don't receive a response within two weeks, ring the station and ask them if they have received your letter. If they haven't, it's a good opportunity to explain who you are and enquire further about work experience.
My Time at WIN Television
WIN Television has offices all over Victoria. They offer work experience placements for one week to interested students. Work experience gives you the opportunity to experience what it's like to be a reporter.
You learn about the kind of stories they report on. You also get to experience the workload, and find out about all the behind-the-scenes business of a television station.
During my time at WIN, I was intent on creating a news story of my own. My opportunity arose when I accompanied a reporter on a story about a proposal to build a wind farm near Daylesford.
We shot 'overlay' footage, which is footage shown when the reporter is talking, and we also shot my 'piece-to-camera' for the story, which is the shot used usually towards the end of a story where the reporter is shown on location speaking directly to the camera.
When recording my piece-to-camera, it was surprisingly difficult to remember the lines I had written. I made plenty of mistakes, but after about eight takes I read it perfectly!
My next job was to review the footage that had been taken during the day, and to transcribe the interviews that the reporter had conducted. I picked out grabs and started to write a script.
Once I had completed the script, I recorded the voiceovers and the editor pieced the overlay footage, voiceovers and interview grabs together to complete my story. It was great to have something official to take back with me, as the video has an official WIN countdown at the beginning and will be a useful inclusion to my portfolio and resume.
My story wasn't broadcast, of course, but putting it together was great experience, and it makes my portfolio look much more professional.
Your time is what you make of it
During my time at work experience I was constantly told, "Your time is what you make of it." At WIN, I was given a lot of freedom to do what I wanted. I chose to try and make the most of it and I urge you to do the same at your work experience.
It's fine to sit back and watch people do their jobs if you prefer, but in the limited time you have, I recommend having a go at anything and everything!
You have to create these opportunities for yourself. Don't be afraid to speak up or to ask for what you want. It might seem daunting, but it will be fun! Good luck!
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