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Journalism students in demand
5 August, 2004
Journalism students from the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) are in demand and being snapped up by media industries.
The University's journalism major has found the right balance of theory and hands-on experience and is producing graduates with close to 100 per cent success rate in finding employment.
Course Co-ordinator, Dr Stephen Lamble, found that even before the journalism major began this year, nearly every student who focussed on journalism subjects at USC found a job.
"Industry feedback strongly supports the direction the University's journalism program is taking," Dr Lamble said.
"The course is well respected and has high credibility in the industry."
The journalism course focuses on providing students with the career skills needed to step into a position as productive members of a newsroom from day one.
"We offer internships in newsrooms across south east Queensland with newspapers, television and radio stations. The time spent as an intern develops a student's skills in an actual work environment. They are expected to contribute as a real journalist and produce work ready for publication," he said.
The Internet and web have also become major sources of news and Gill Cowden, who completed a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in journalism last year, is now writing for NeoVox, an international online magazine.
"The wide range of writing skills offered in the degree was a key factor in gaining employment," Ms Cowden said.
"I currently work part-time as a journalist for a national tourism industry publication. I have edited a website for a major medical organisation and I also run the Australian desk of the NeoVox website which is based here at the University.
"USC journalism students regularly have their work published on NeoVox, which adds to their writing portfolios," she said.
The University has links with around 15 media outlets and can tailor internships and production workshops to suit a student's particular career interest.
"The contact with industry is proving to be very beneficial for students. It allows them to network, develop links with industry and graduate with the right balance of theory and practical skills," Dr Lamble said.
Combining her language and journalism skills led another student to complete an internship on an Indonesian magazine earlier this year. She travelled to Melbourne, where the magazine was produced. Her duties included translating, writing, and editing.
"One of the most important things a journalism graduate can have is a portfolio of published work. Nothing impresses an employer more than examples of actual articles you have written," Dr Lamble said.
Dr Lamble's experience and knowledge of the industry has been recognised by Oxford University Press which has contracted him to rewrite The Daily Miracle - An Introduction to Journalism a definitive text for journalism students around Australia.
He is a well-respected journalist with many years experience and has worked as a senior staff journalist for a major newspaper and is also a Walkley Award finalist.
Dr Lamble has travelled overseas and interstate with his work and has also been a bureau chief for a major newspaper group.
He brings not only his reporting, investigative journalism and editing skills with him, but also excellent contacts throughout the industry and an outstanding pool of talent to call upon as guest lecturers in the course.
The University of the Sunshine Coast also offers a Journalism Honours program, which started in July this year.
Media enquiries directly relating to this media release can be made to the Media Relations Coordinator.