In the Communications Industry
Southern Cross Austero
June 2020
As apart of my Career Studies subject within my secondary schooling, I was required to complete work experience in a field of my choice. Being from a regional area, there was only one Radio and TV Broadcasting station and this was owned by the network Southern Cross Austero. Here I completed one week of experience with two days of work in the Radio sector, then alternating to the TV sector for three days.
The experience in the Radio section was interesting because it was a field of Communications I had never thought of exploring. It was stimulating because I was able to see live-to-air work and the pressure that come with this responsibility.
Switching to the TV section, I completed many tasks with the journalists from the Channel 9 section. I went with them to film many stories including one about a silent protest to the Wagga Wagga City Council on action for climate change, and the introduction of a new local Wool factory. After shooting stories, we would go back to the station and edit the video as well as record audio. This was especially interesting to see the behind the scenes of what actually goes into what we see on TV.
As an emerging professional not only did this strengthen my passion for the industry, but solidify my journey to become a communication professional. Within my professional brand, this experience will be something that will be memorable for my career.
Bathurst Broadcasters – 2BS & BROCK
May 2022 – Current
During this first semester of my course, I received a position as a receptionist and producer at the local radio station here in Bathurst. While I have only been working here a short period of time, I have already learnt so much that has been valuable to my emerging career.
As a receptionist I have learnt different levels of customer assistance through answering and making phone calls as well as emailing contacts. However, in my role as a producer I have learnt many valuable skills:
- Content sourcing and curating: learning how to search for possible content in our local area. This is involves looking on social media websites such as Facebook to see what is going on in local communities groups, fundraisers and events.
- Booking guests: this element to the job has taught me ethics such as respect in media sourcing. I have learnt to go through Media Personal rather than emailing or calling the individual directly. This is especially important when contacting Mayors, Councillors and Ministers.
Both of these experiences, all though short term, have provided me with the appropriate learning of new skills and values within the industry as an emerging professional. Showcasing these within this portfolio allows me to develop my Digital Identity further by highlighting my experience to potential employers to see what I am comfortable and where more work is needed.
