Elyse studies Communications at UTS – and tells why this is a dream degree for her!
1. What degree/course are you studying? How long have you been studying? Full time/part time?
I am studying a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism). I’m in my second semester now, studying full time. And by full time, I mean two days a week (I did some skilful timetabling this time around).
2. What University/Institution are you studying at and why did you choose them?
I’m studying at the University of Technology Sydney. I was attracted to the degree because I knew how practical the course was, and how career focused the University is as a whole. I have a friend who is two years ahead of me in the degree who had told me all of her wonderful experiences, and I was sold! The only slight deterrence from the University was the travel of 1.35 hours each way. But, coming from far Western Sydney, I was ready for a sea change to the city.
3.How many years will you study for?
Originally I was enrolled in a double Bachelor of Communications and International Studies. I’ve withdrawn from International Studies now so that I can take a six month exchange. The double degree would have taken 5 years full time, and now the single degree will be three years long, full time.
4. What has been your favourite part of the course so far?
Our main lecturer for Journalism brought in a guest lecturer most weeks in Semester 1. We talked to the Editor at Huffington Post Australia, BuzzFeed Staff, Four Corner’s journalist and UTS graduate Caro Meldrum-Hannah, and Twitter staff members. The course is challenging, but the guest lectures give you valuable inspiration and potentially an industry contact!
5. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
It must be said: Journalism is terrifying. Even for an extrovert like me. I do three subjects each semester – one core communications subject, one journalism subject, and one social and political sciences subject. The Journalism subject is the toughest but most rewarding. The assessments give you so much scope to do what you want. I had to write a feature article on “health” for an assessment, and I interviewed a survivor of female genital mutilation, professors, and NGO officers. That was in my first semester! Do you see what I mean that it can be terrifying? But it is completely rewarding. COMPLETELY.
6. Was the course everything you expected it to be? Were there any surprises?
I was a bit starry-eyed when I began. I thought it would be easier. They want to take what you learned in HSC English and strip it back completely, then colour it in again in Journalist style. For a few weeks it was alarming and difficult to adjust to, but now it comes second nature – I’m thankful for it! I’ve gained valuable experience interviewing Female Genital Mutilation survivors, local Council, Gillian Triggs, artists, academics, and more!
7. What is the most interesting thing you’ve covered/learned so far?
My favourite subject so far has been Live Action which is a multiplatform Journalism topic. We’ve looked into online user and reader patterns, as well as what makes a great piece. Assignments have included writing news pieces, feature writing, video packages and audio news packages.
8. Do you have a clear career path or job position in mind? Do you think your degree will equip you with the skills and knowledge to pursue this?
Being in the degree has probably made me more confused about exactly what I want to be or do in the end – and that’s simply because it’s opened up my opportunities to more than I really considered. At first I was all about print media and Journalism, and now I’m realising that I’m reasonably obsessed with learning about digital and social media. The degree has enough flexibility that I can choose which subjects I pick up to suit my interests, but at the same time, there’s enough structure that I get to dip into a bit of everything.
9. Have you or will you complete any work experience? Does your institution encourage this? Describe your experience briefly if any.
I’ve completed a small amount of work experience with DOLLY Magazine and have been interning at Cosmopolitan Magazine for about six months. I did obtain the internship outside of Uni, but I’m reminded everyday how keen UTS is to get students into internships, because we receive emails every week telling us about various opportunities at different media organisations.
10. Please provide a quick “day in the life of a communications student.”
On a full Uni day, I’m up around 7 and on the train at about 8. I’ll get to Uni at about 8:25 if I catch that 8am train, and on the train I’ll check Twitter (a must for Journalism), eat, and listen to Mamamia’s OutLoud Podcast. This semester, I’ll start with a one-hour Journalism lecture followed by a two-hour tutorial, and then a one hour break to visit China Town. Then, back to the lecture theatre for a Digital Literacy lecture, followed by a two hour tutorial.
Sometimes our Journalism tutorials are turned into newsrooms where we can work on our assignments by following up stories and collaborating with our groups. Other times we’ll have tech workshops. The great thing about UTS Communications is that there are so few “readings” to do – you know, the ones that every student ever has complained about. Journalism doesn’t have any, which is great. Oh, I forgot to mention: UTS Communications students NEVER HAVE EXAMS. All assignments for you. Let the HSC be the last exam you ever do!
I got to meet Professor Gillian Triggs, the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, for an assignment on Female Genital Mutilation.
