A week of work experience with the Geelong Advertiser
I've had my heart set on being a journalist for a few years. I'm studying journalism at uni and I have a passion for writing and international relations. But in the back of my mind there has always been that smidgen of self-doubt that questions whether it truly is the job for me or whether I really am cut out for it.
Being accepted to do work experience at the Geelong Advertiser confirmed my career choice and has intensified my determination to become a journalist.
On my first day I was full of nerves, but I was welcomed into the office as soon as I stepped in the door. I was shown to my own computer, and from there my week began.
So what sort of things did I do?
One of my tasks everyday was to organise the vox-pops section of the paper known as 'Street Talk'. Going out onto the street with a camera, I had to ask people a topical question such as, 'What do you think about John Howard's plans for the Indigenous community in the Northern Territory?' and then take their photo.
Over the week I interviewed several people including school principals, art exhibition directors and music venue owners so that I could write brief local stories. Although the pieces weren't difficult, it was very fulfilling to do an interview, complete the write-up and have it in the next day's paper with my name on it.
Inspiration from my co-workers
The reporter at the desk next to me was deeply inspiring. Although he was 'only' working at a paper focusing on local Geelong news, he pushed hard to uncover tricky stories and made difficult phone calls in an attempt to get to the bottom of them. Getting a taste of on-the-job action reaffirmed my aspiration to do that too.
The effect of a new environment
Previously, when working on an article, I found it difficult to maintain a new style of writing throughout. But in the newsroom environment I felt like I adapted much quicker than I normally would if I was just sitting on the couch with my laptop.
Also in the beginning, I felt awkward and overly formal while interviewing, but by the second day I had no qualms in picking up the phone and saying, "Hi this is Margaret from the Geelong Advertiser..."
The highlight of the week - Coxy
The week's highlight was doing an article on Coxy's Big Break coming to Geelong. On my last day I met our photographer and the Coxy crew down at the carousel area in Geelong.
I spoke to Geoff 'Coxy' Cox between filming, and fished out some quotes about Geelong's highlights for my write-up. After all a journo is always looking for a good quote! The most memorable one was, "You've got a footy team that could do some damage this year."
After leaving the crew I went back to the office feeling happy and extremely confident in my chosen career path, and that's just what I needed.
Articles Written by Margaret B
Reviews written by Margaret B
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