4 minute read
Nadia Dimattina
Why did you choose to study Journalism at Monash?
I had a huge interest in writing and knew I wanted to pursue this talent at university. I chose to study journalism in an arts degree instead of doing a standalone degree in journalism to give me flexibility and a broad perspective on a range of subjects.
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What were your expectations going into a career in journalism and how does it compare to your experience in the industry now?
My expectation going into journalism was that it was a really cut-throat industry and that it was hard to get in. My view on that still stands- it is a really hard industry, and it doesn’t happen for all people. In my head, I thought there was a clear pathway to becoming a metro journalist and it wasn’t until I was in the industry that I realised it was really tough to get to that point. You have to work really hard to get there. My expectations are the same, but I think that once you get that first foot in the door everything works out well.
BACHELOR OF ARTS (JOURNALISM) Media Advisor at The Department of Premier and Cabinet (Vic)
Can you tell me a bit about your current role as a media advisor for the department of premier and cabinet Victoria?
In my role as Media Advisor in Premier and Cabinet, I work for a state government minister and my role is to advise and prepare them every time they have an interview or appear at a media event. Media advising is interesting because you’re the one pitching stories to journalists. It’s the opposite to reporting - you’re not the one asking questions, but you can predict what the journalists will ask.
How did you go about landing your first job? What was that process like?
In my final year, I did a lot of internships- Instead of going on a holidays in my July uni break, I did a 6-week internship at the Geelong Advertiser. It was hard because these internships were unpaid positions, but I had to look beyond that and see that I was getting crucial experience, a portfolio, and contacts that were going to be worthwhile down the track. My final internship was at Channel 9 Melbourne, which I completed just prior to graduating. After completing my final exam, I reached out to them and asked if there were any jobs available. Just by luck, there was a social media producing role that had opened up. It wasn’t what I expected to do because I had always seen myself in a journalism role, but it was a good foot in the door for me.
If you could think of one skill that has been the most important to you and being successful in your career so far, what has it been?
Communication has been critical. Internships and building contacts helped me to come out of my bubble and be able to communicate with people. It has been the biggest thing for me because you need to be able to communicate with people to get good stories. This turned out to be an asset when reporting in Gippsland because if you are a good communicator, people often open up to you and share their story.
What sort of student societies and volunteer experiences did you expose yourself to while you were studying at Monash?
I joined MOJO in my second year and did it for the rest of my degree. MOJO really gave me a foot in the door in journalism and an exposure to the industry. I loved being alongside people who had the same interests and passions as me and I learned a lot from my mentors and the other students in MOJO.
What advice if any would you give to current and graduating arts students? Specially those looking to pursue a career in journalism.
In your final year, take up as many internships as possible! Monash does an amazing job at helping you find them. Look past the fact they are mostly unpaid positions because the experience is invaluable. What I got from my internships set me up for my career and I think that is something you can’t put a price tag on.
I would also recommend having some time off between finishing your degree and starting a full-time job. Enjoy the freedom while you can because once you are working full-time life gets busy!
Career Pathway
Department of Premier and Cabinet (Vic) Media Advisor March 2021 - Present
Freekance Television Producer Freelance Producer January 2021 - March 2021
Nine News Australia Senior Journalist August 2020 - Janurary 2021
Education
Monash University Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) Graduated 2018
Internships/Volunteer Experience
Broadsheet Media Editorial Intern August 2017 - November 2017 Dockland News/CBD News/Southbank Local News Student Intern October 2016 - October 2017
Nine Entertainment Co. Intern September 2017
Geelong Advertiser Editorial Intern July 2017
