Master of Journalism student Lois Maskiell believes her chosen course has given her the skills and confidence to kickstart a successful career in journalism.

Throughout her degree, Lois took advantage of a number of hands-on learning opportunities, including a four-week internship with Indonesia’s notable news channel Metro TV.

In this interview, Lois shares why she chose to study journalism at a master’s level and how her Monash education is setting her up for professional success.

Why did you decide to study the Master of Journalism?

During my Bachelor of Arts in languages and theatre at Monash, I read a lot of French and Spanish news. International media helped me to improve my language skills and kick-started my interest in journalism. I decided that the Master of Journalism was right for me because it was a practical program with a flexible structure, which I hoped would open up career opportunities at home and abroad.

What has been the highlight of your degree so far?

I completed a four-week internship with Indonesia’s news channel, Metro TV, as part of the Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies’ Journalism Professional Practicum. As production intern for the English-language program World News, I produced one to two-minute news stories. A highlight was a news package I made about the Omnibus law which were reforms the Indonesian government was making to boost the economy and attract foreign investment. My Executive Producer ran the package as the main story for that evening’s program, which was a great compliment.

What is your favourite class, and why?

Each of my units has been my favourite for different reasons. Associate Professor Johan Lidberg taught a brilliant introduction to media law and to current debates in media – thanks to that unit I am now pursuing a research project. I also have Robert Carey to thank for teaching me journalistic writing style, and Liam Cochrane for teaching me the nuts and bolts of video storytelling.

Why is studying journalism so valuable?

Journalism is a broad field of study that provides students with a mixture of hard and soft skills. The benefit of developing technical skills in addition to softer skills, such as generating ideas and communication, is that you acquire a skill set that can be applied to a range of professional contexts.

How has Monash Arts helped you become job-ready?

Monash Arts has helped me become job-ready through its commitment to delivering quality courses led by incredible professors and industry practitioners. On top of the courses I have studied, Monash Arts offers a range of internship opportunities as well as other opportunities such as the Arts Graduate Leadership program, which I am participating in this year.

What advice do you have for prospective students thinking about studying the Master of Journalism?

Aim high, do your best at the coursework subjects, but also be sure to get practical experience through internships with professional news companies, student-run publications like Mojo News or volunteering at your local community radio station.