Name: Indiana  

Degree: Bachelor of Media and Communications (Public Relations and News Media) 

Why did you choose your degree?  

I find storytelling and video production really interesting. I am curious and I love listening to other people’s stories. I also love helping people and putting a smile on their faces. My dream is to be the voice of people and make a positive impact, especially within non-profit organisations (NGOs). I thought, what if I do a degree that involves studying what I am passionate about and aligns with my core values? So, I started out with a double degree: Bachelor of Laws and Media and Communications, majoring in Public Relations and News Media. I didn’t quite resonate with the law degree, so I contacted a Program Advisor and ended up dropping it. I am now in my third year and will be graduating soon. 

Can you tell me what you do in your degree? 

I’ve had a mixture of general core courses and some elective courses. I learn how technological gadgets and multimedia work, as well as how to write articles and make videos. The basics of and theories in communications and public relations too. As for practical application, we have to run and research campaigns. I would love to do placements, unfortunately we don’t have any mandatory placements, although I heard there will be mandatory placements for new communication students in the future. 

What do you do in your spare time?  

I work to supplement my income and fund the activities or hobbies that I love to do. I currently have three jobs; two of these are at the university. I currently work as a content creator at Navigator (Student Central) and at the Career Service. University jobs are so rewarding and fulfilling as I can expand my network and help students while gaining a lot of experience and transferrable skills at the same time. I also work at Coles. I hang out with friends when I’m not working to avoid burnout. I try to strike a balance between work and rest. I love outdoor activities and I joined the Newcastle University Mountaineering Club. I could only join it this year as I was away for the Exchange program last year. I am actually going away this weekend to the Blue Mountains with the Mountaineering Club. It is the second time we’ve gone away now. We usually go kayaking, climbing and camping. It is really fun and I also get to meet a lot of lovely people. I am doing really well and I feel like I am living my 20s to the fullest. 

 Tell me more about your exchange experience.  

I went to Canada last year and studied at McMaster University for 6 months. When I sought help from the Global Experience Support Team, they told me there are scholarship options available depending on where you go. If you plan to go anywhere in Asia, you are given incentives (grants) as the government is trying to encourage international relations through the New Colombo Plan. For other places, you can get a OS-HELP loan for over $7,000 from the government. The application processing usually goes through the university. They also offer grants for exchange students sometimes. 

Is there anything you want to say to other students?  

I would say try everything. You get to live your 20s only once. Remember, there are always people to help you whenever you are stressed out; you don’t have to do anything on your own. The university has a lot of services and support available that will help you. So make sure you check that out. I use the Career Service whenever I apply for jobs, for example. I highly encourage everyone to try new things, meet new people and travel.