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Journalism student wins industry award
University of the Sunshine Coast journalism student Kelli McClintock has been named the Sunshine Coast Daily's intern of the year for 2008, receiving $1,000 for her efforts.
The Caloundra 23-year-old finished her two-month internship at the Daily’s Maroochydore office just before Christmas and received the award recently from Daily Editor-in-chief Mark Furler.
USC Associate Lecturer in Journalism Gill Cowden said Kelli was recognised for her “strong work ethic, positive attitude, enthusiasm and employability”.
Kelli, who is now completing the final year of her Bachelor of Journalism, said she gained valuable experience in the workplace.
“Staff such as features editor Shirley Sinclair were so accommodating and it’s a great encouragement when you do well,” she said.
Kelli enjoyed summer-focused stories, writing about skin cancer prevention and Christmas activities. In one article she compared Coast celebrations to the white Christmas she had in the United States in 2007 as a USC exchange student.
“I had a holiday in New York then I spent a semester in Louisiana with the USC GO (Global Opportunities) Program,” she said.
“I attended Louisiana State University and it was fantastic. I came back much more confident in my journalism. When you’re out of your comfort zone it really stretches your abilities.
“Liaini Eckhard from the GO Program was so helpful with any queries I had. I lived on campus with three other girls and I’d recommend the program to any student to broaden your knowledge of the world.”
Kelli is doing freelance journalism and events administration while studying full-time.
She said she was inspired by the passion of award-winning USC School of Communication lecturers such as Gill Cowden and Associate Professor Stephen Lamble.
— Julie Gatehouse