Momentum Media unveils internship program

The program, conducted over the latter half of 2022, aimed to give university students completing their final years of schooling an opportunity to experience a real-world, newsroom environment.

Over six months, Jasmine Siljic, representing Macquarie University, and Jessica Penny, representing UNSW Sydney, were placed within Momentum Media’s editorial team, where they were tasked with producing original content across the company’s various brands.

Given the success of the program, matched with the pair’s enthusiasm, they were quickly asked to return for this calendar year. Jasmine and Jessica now work three and four days a week, respectively, in between their university studies, continuing their growth and development in the journalism industry.

“Launching Momentum Media’s internship program has been of utmost value to the organisation,” said managing editor Emma Musgrave.

“From the moment I met Jas and Jess, I knew they were the perfect candidates for the program – dedicated, eager to learn and an all-around pleasure to work with.

“I couldn’t be more impressed by their skill development and what they’ve brought to the table during their time at Momentum, and am so pleased they’ll be continuing on with us this year.”

Here, Jasmine and Jessica share their experience working at Momentum Media, including what they’ve learnt about themselves and their craft along the way.

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Q: Generally speaking, how have you found your time at Momentum Media so far?

Jasmine:

My time at Momentum Media has been extremely valuable and enjoyable. I have been able to build on my skills as a journalist and simultaneously feel welcomed into an encouraging and talented team of editors and journalists.

Jessica:

My time at Momentum Media has been fantastic. Everyone, from the editorial to the sales team, welcomed me with open arms and have always had the time to answer a question or help me in the right direction. As my first industry-specific experience, I really feel like I’ve been able to hit the ground running thanks to the internship program.

Q: What areas have you enjoyed the most?

Jasmine:

Having the opportunity to work with the majority of Momentum Media’s diverse brands and publications was deeply rewarding, especially in learning new styles of writing and challenging myself with complex topics. Additionally, working in a supportive environment allowed me to learn from skilled industry writers and receive vital feedback.

Jessica:

One of the areas of the internship program I have enjoyed the most is working in a team. As a student, writing a story can feel like a one-person job, but that truly isn’t the case. In addition to the amazing editorial teams that have supported me every step of the way, there are so many people involved in what come to be the stories we see online. The other area I have loved is the setting of deadlines. What might seem like the most daunting challenge of journalism as an undergrad, has immensely increased the calibre of my work and pushed me to be the best that I can be.

Q: What has been your biggest learning about being a journalist during your time at Momentum?

Jasmine:

The ability to balance multiple tasks at once has been an important skill I’ve learnt as a journalist at Momentum. Developing my time management and meeting deadlines to productively write quality articles has been vital. From producing stories to recording podcasts and releasing daily newsletters, I feel a deeper appreciation for the variety of work which journalists juggle.

Jessica:

The greatest thing I have learnt in my time with Momentum Media is that versatility is your greatest asset when working in a newsroom. Being able to adapt to the specific tone of a brand is not something you can pick up overnight, but Momentum Media has given me the opportunity to broaden my skill set and work with portfolios that offer different modes of storytelling.


Q: What would your advice be to any current university students looking to gain experience in a newsroom environment before graduating?

Jasmine:

I would tell any media or journalism student to put yourself out there, 100 per cent. Working in a newsroom before entering the world of full-time employment enables you to not only ensure that you will enjoy what you are studying, but also expands your portfolio as a junior journalist. Graduating with both a degree and industry experience will set you apart from other graduates and give you deeper motivation to begin your career.

Jessica:

My advice to other undergraduates wanting to gain newsroom experience is to not be afraid to put yourself out there. There is so much to learn at this point in our lives, and you shouldn’t shy away from any opportunity you come across. Take a look around and see what jobs or programs are out there; chances are, there’s one that you’re the perfect fit for.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Jasmine:

Working with the talented and welcoming people at Momentum Media has truly been a wonderful experience. I now feel even more inspired to continue my journey into journalism and I'm confident in the skills I have developed through the internship.

Jessica:

I can’t emphasise enough how great of an experience this internship program has been. I’ve learnt so much from the professionals around me, and I feel more ready to take on the newsroom environment every single day. I feel incredibly lucky to have this opportunity, and I couldn’t recommend it more.