Why did you decide to study a Master's in Media Communication?
I’ve always been passionate about creativity and writing. After completing my undergrad, I started working as a journalist and discovered my deepest passion lies in media, in telling stories. I love going out in the field and hearing what people have to say, especially unearthing stories that are a little harder to find, and condensing everything into a compelling story for people. I returned to study for that further challenge, to hone that interest and see where it’s going to take me.
What do you like about studying at UC?
UC means so much to me. As an undergrad here, it’s where I found myself, my identity, my purpose, my love for education. There are so many amazing things about UC. The clubs, the nature, the vibes, the people. I love being able to come to campus and leave it all out on the table. It feels like home. Now, as a postgrad, it’s where I can truly flourish.
Are you a part of any clubs or extracurriculars on campus?
There are so many opportunities here, especially when it comes to being creative. I’ve focused my time as a postgrad on DramaSoc and Musoc clubs, which have been really fun. Whether that's being involved in musicals or improv, going to shows, and helping out behind the scenes, it’s great.
What does a typical week look like for you?
I’m a part-time reporter while studying full-time, so my time is split between work and study. Often, I’ll be in a meeting in the morning and then a lecture in the afternoon, plus time spent writing, researching, and meeting with my supervisor. I’m also a tutor for first year communications students.
How do you balance everything?
I make sure to make time for myself and chill out every once in a while. There are some amazing people, groups, clubs, communities, and spaces on campus where I can do that. My lecturers, peers, and my supervisor all understand that I’m still working, and my employer understands the value of study, so they all work together to support me.
Have you found any benefits to working for a bit before goingback to study postgrad?
Absolutely. There are so many things I'm getting out of my master’s that Idon't think I would have got if I hadn't worked after graduating, whetherthat’s knowing the realities of the media landscape or just building actualrelationships in a work context.
What is your dissertation about?
My dissertation is going to be on the future of the television industry andhow reality TV is actually an amazing vessel for social commentary. It’sreally exciting because previously, I only saw the genre as entertainment.
Coming back and doing postgrad means I can apply myself in a new way and do journalism on things that I previously wasn't able to. I returned to study to challenge myself, to build on myself, to take a risk, and to follow my passion, no matter how niche it is.
What are your aspirations when you finish your degree?
I plan on still being a journalist, but focusing on the journalism that I want to write. Maybe I'll end up being a TV host. Maybe I'll end up producing my own reality television. I don’t know for sure where I’ll be in 10 years’ time, but thanks to my postgrad, I feel prepared for wherever life takes me.
Have you had any internship opportunities?
I did an internship for Australasia's first ever cult conference at Tūranga, handling the social media. It was intense and fascinating to be there and respect all of the stories while showcasing the event. I would have never gotten that opportunity if it weren’t for UC.
How was your experience of returning to study?
I was a little concerned coming back after a few years out working, being older than most of my peers, but I've met plenty of amazing people that have pushed me academically in ways I didn't expect.
Postgrad is a smaller cohort, so we all get to know and understand each other, and I enjoy chilling out with other adult students in the postgrad lounge. I feel like every student comes in with their own perspectives and experiences, and it's that blend that all comes together and makes for really rich learning.
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See other postgraduate study experiences from UC students.
