NAME: Gabrielle Wheaton
Where are you studying? Jschool in Brisbane.
What are you studying? The one-year Diploma of Journalism course.
What prompted you to study in that area? I’m keen to be a journalist — I’d like to have a chance to make a difference.
Are you studying part time or full time? Full-time.
Do you work? I’ve been doing one day a week as a meter-reader with Energex.
How do you find the balance between your work and your studies?Ideal. We have classes four days a week and I work on the fifth day.
Have you or do you plan to do work experience? Yes I’ve already done internships in this course with The Courier-Mail, The Queensland Times and Quest Newspapers. It was a great experience and I was thrilled to get stories published in all newspapers.
What do you like about college life? I like the variety in the classroom, with students from all walks of life and age groups. They’re a fascinating group. Plus the variety of course activities and guest speakers.
What challenges do you encounter? No social challenges. Some financial challenges, but every student gets that.
Do you have a favourite trainer/lecturer? Desley Bartlett is passionate about what she does and she’s not afraid to try different techniques to get the best out of people.
What do you plan to do upon graduating? I’ve already been offered a job with the Queensland Times at Ipswich. I’ll be starting later this month and I’m very much looking forward to being a full-time journalist.