Balancing Act

In the first lecture of ‘Advanced Print Reporting’ this semester, my lecturer told myself and my fellow journalism classmates “There are no jobs”. Matter of factly reminding us that the work environment is ever growingly hard and opportunities continue to blister.

In stopping to think about this notion – of how I plan on supporting myself after the somewhat cruisy uni lifestyle gig is up – I began to ask my industry professionals what they look for in a candidate? Nearly all of them had the same answer – work experience. Yes, they said you have to have a degree, and steady marks, but that doesn’t mean a great deal – the people who get the jobs are those who have experience.

I am choosing to discuss this for 2 reasons relating to this Networked Media subject. Firstly, with uni classes 2 days a week, it leaves me 3 days for an internship/job. This doesn’t allow me to attend lectures. A decision I have chosen. For all other subjects I aptly listen to the audio uploaded to blackboard, and go through the powerpoint attached. However for Networked Media, if you cannot attend lectures there is no alternative to catch up. More so, there is a box you left staring empty every week on the “checklist” routinely given out. For a ‘liberal’ subject which prides itself on alternative learning, it is the most structured, rigid and outdated format in relation to its lectures.

My second point is the high number of blog posts expected each week. I understand that undertaking a media and communication degree, at an Institute of Technology, there must be a high focus on active media engagement, however I must argue that the amount required is proving difficult to upkeep.

Between balancing 4 subjects, interning and paid work, I am finding it difficult to prioritize the “blog” writing for Networked Media. I understand that I am choosing to finish this degree, and I am paying for this subject, but my real priority is work and industry experience, which I believe is paramount.