BY ABIDGAIL MERTA GANGGANG & LILIANA SHERYN
KUCHING: Internships are pivotal in shaping one’s career as they provide undergraduates and graduates with real-world exposure to working environments and help them develop the necessary skills required to stand out in a saturated job market.
A saturated job market is a situation where there are more job seekers than available job opportunities. This means that competition for jobs is high, and it can be challenging for individuals to stand out and secure employment.
Employers can choose from a large pool of qualified candidates, so job seekers may need to have additional qualifications, skills, or experience to set themselves apart from other applicants and increase their chances of being hired.
For those pursuing a career in journalism, internships can be particularly transformative, offering invaluable experience that shapes perspectives and knowledge.
Recently, New Sarawak Tribune spoke with Agnes Mansor, one of the interns from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), who completed her training with Suara Sarawak, to gain insights into her dynamic and fast-paced experience in news reporting.
New Sarawak Tribune: What are your motivations for pursuing an internship at Suara Sarawak?
Agnes: I underwent training at Suara Sarawak to expand my understanding of the role and duties of a journalist. Through immersion in the news industry, I aimed to supplement my theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
Learning from professionals provided valuable insights into various aspects of journalism, including writing. Writing is a crucial skill for journalists, and the program exposed us to different writing styles, techniques, and formats specific to the field.
Do you remember your first event you attended with the other reporters?
During the 5th International Energy Week (IEW), I attended a press conference led by the Deputy Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni. As a newcomer, I was nervous to meet a minister, but thankfully, my senior reporter provided valuable assistance and guidance. Their presence helped alleviate my anxiety and gave me the confidence to navigate the unfamiliar situation.
One of my most memorable features was on a housewife who defied traditional gender roles by owning and running her business, Dayak Cuisine. It was inspiring to see a woman succeeding as an entrepreneur while also balancing her responsibilities at home.
What are the lessons that you have gained during your internship?
Learning to conduct interviews is a valuable lesson for journalists, as it allows them to gather firsthand information and perspectives. It also helps to overcome shyness and develop strong interpersonal skills when engaging with diverse individuals. Exposure to news in different languages, such as Iban, provides a broader understanding of diverse cultures. Support and assistance from experienced reporters are crucial in navigating and excelling in writing in a new language.
Compare your previous expectations versus now
Initially, I thought my journalism training only involved writing news, but I learned it’s much more. As a journalist, finding significant events, unique angles, and building relationships with sources are essential for engaging readers. Journalism requires more skills than just writing.
How do you construct your news writing effectively?
To construct a compelling news story, I start by identifying the main focus and determining its significance and relevance. This guides the rest of my story construction process, including the lead which should summarize key points concisely and grab the reader’s attention. Clear and concise language is crucial, avoiding jargon and unnecessary technical terms. Accuracy is paramount, verifying all information and checking names, dates, and details that impact credibility. Finally, I review the story for clarity, coherence, and grammar, trimming any unnecessary information to keep it focused.
How do you ensure accuracy and handle fact-checking for your news?
As a journalist, I prioritize accuracy and rigorous fact-checking. I follow a comprehensive process to scrutinize key details and prioritize accuracy over speed. I collaborate closely with senior reporters and editors to benefit from their experience and ensure the highest standards of accuracy and integrity in the news we publish.
How do you handle criticism from editors or senior reporters?
As a journalist, I welcome criticism as a means of personal and professional growth. I listen attentively to feedback from editors and senior reporters, reflecting on ways to improve my skills. Criticism is a valuable teaching tool that helps me refine my craft. I maintain a positive and resilient attitude, realizing that it does not reflect my worth as an individual. By embracing criticism, I continually strive to deliver high-quality work.
What advice do you have for future interns?
Advice for future interns: Seize every opportunity to gain experience during your internship. Engage in diverse tasks and be open to new challenges. Ask questions, seek guidance, and actively participate in team discussions. Stay up-to-date with industry trends and seek continuous learning. Also, seek feedback to identify areas for improvement and refine your skills.
What do you consider the biggest ethical challenges facing journalists today, and how do you navigate them?
Journalists face ethical challenges with fake news and anonymous sources. Upholding responsible journalism is key to combatting misinformation, including thorough fact-checking and source evaluation. Use of anonymous sources requires careful consideration, balancing the significance of information against the need for transparency. Corroboration through alternative means ensures verifiability.
