Graduate story: Emma Sykes

Emma Sykes
Online Editor/Cross-Media Reporter
612 ABC, Brisbane
Bachelor of Media

When I began studying Media at Southern Cross University, I had an interest in radio, but I had no idea where that interest could take me professionally. I took radio units in my second year and was approached by the head of journalism, who said she thought I would be perfect for an internship at the local ABC radio station the followingyear. So I scored my first job – at ABC Local Radio Lismore – through that internship even before I had finished my degree. Without having studied at SCU, and receiving that kind of guidance, I can't see myself doing what I am now.

As a cross-media reporter I create a range of multi-platform content for ABC Online and local radio. It is my role as a storyteller, and creative producer, to tell those stories through writing, audio, video and photography, using the best medium for the story.

In this role I am the link between the radio and traditional forms of broadcasting, and the digital age of social media and the web. The role is flexible, and ever changing – just like the media landscape.

I've had a number of professional roles in radio and online since graduating. The range of skills that I developed at SCU set me up to progress my career and I still find myself drawing heavily on the experience I gained in the radio labs, sitting in a studio actually making radio. I really enjoyed the practical units.

Updated: 07 November 2012