Volunteering the good news
by Rodney Magazinovic
There’s a lot of talk about it being a workers’ market but most
students will tell you competition is still tight for the job of your dreams.
And sometimes it is what you have done in your spare time that can be the
clincher to gaining employment.
For journalism graduate Emma Rebellato, it was the voluntary work and work experience undertaken while studying that she believes made her a more work-ready radio journalist.
“The journalism degree at UniSA gave me a sound background in news values and ethics, but as a journalist, there’s nothing like getting real experience,” she said.
Rebellato first volunteered at radio station 5RPH. Over a five-year period she helped out once a week and was able to get hands-on experience in production, panelling and newsreading.
“It really helped me break into media because I had that familiarity and experience with all aspects of working in a radio studio,” she said.
Since graduating in 1998, Rebellato worked initially in print and then radio in rural South Australia before securing a position at 5AA. She recently moved over to 5AA’s sister station Nova 91.9 FM, where she works as a newsreader for the breakfast show.
“Doing my internship at 5AA as part of my studies helped me get a foot in the door.
“When I applied for employment there, they were already aware that I could meet the job requirements,” she said.
Rebellato cites a passion for on-air presentation as the inspiration for getting into journalism and says she thrives on the immediacy and excitement that radio journalism offers.
“I love it when you get a story two minutes to the hour and you have to write it up and get it to air.”