Anny’s (Huangshenyi Guan) dream to become a journalist began when she was in high school in China. She pursued this with passion with a Bachelor of Journalism at The University of Queensland.
She chose Brisbane because of UQ's globally high rankings for arts and humanities. Having lived this experience, Anny now shares how UQ has supported her in her journey and how to thrive as an international student in Australia.
Life in Brisbane
To Anny, the friendships formed in Brisbane were key to her student experience here.
“My favourite thing to do in Brisbane is to chat with my friends during Friday nights while walking on the pathway at South Bank Parklands, taking in the view," she says.
UQ’s campus is fringed by the Brisbane River – the same waterway as South Bank. If you haven't already, check out the John Oxley River Walk – a scenic path with the beautiful UQ campus grounds as the backdrop and a popular spot where you can relax during study breaks.
Undertaking a Bachelor of Journalism
According to the QS World University Rankings, UQ is number 1 in the state for arts and humanities, and this is reflected in the faculty's Bachelor of Journalism program.
UQ journalism students are given the tools to become experts in production and editing using state-of-the-art facilities, so they can confidently graduate with the skills to report online, on-air, in writing, and across social media platforms. UQ's partnerships with major national and international media outlets mean that students are also given the chance to gain industry insights and connections before they even graduated.
For Anny, who was eager to build solid foundations of communication and journalistic skills while gaining real-world experience, this program was the perfect fit.
Anny’s highlight in the program has been the internship courses. Students are given the opportunity to work under the guidance of experienced journalists and participate in the workday routine of a news media organisation.
“I participated in the entry-level employment programme at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and successfully published a staff training manual with my team members in 2022," Anny says.
The support and multidisciplinary education she has received throughout her studies at UQ have seen her excel in all realms of journalism.
“I appreciate that UQ provides media and production support through the hybrid workshop mode, so I could learn extra skills in video editing, audio recording, and photography foundations."
"These were helpful for me to enhance my assignment quality and grades in communication design, journalism design and multimedia courses," Anny says.
After graduation
Anny’s experience at UQ has undoubtedly opened doors and built connections with valuable industry professionals – and she’s not ready to stop learning. After graduation, she plans to continue her education with a postgraduate degree in global communications and soak up as much experience as possible.
“I will strive to improve my personal worldview and understanding of high-profile news events around the world in order to be adequately prepared to be an extraordinary journalist."
Advice to future international students
Anny’s advice to students who are considering studying in Queensland is, at its core, not to waste any opportunities and to make as many connections as possible.
“Communicate with alumni who study the same major as you and learn about the course and the assessment modules at Orientation,” she says.
“Get familiar with the study support resources available in order to build your skills like academic writing, video editing, professional business presentation and research methods.”
Anny also emphasises the importance of reaping the social benefits of studying at UQ.
“Future students need to look for social opportunities and student clubs to enrich their study life on campus."
"[This will] not only transform their theoretical knowledge-to-work capabilities, but can also give them teamwork and management skills,” she explains.
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