Reporter

Combining theory and practical skills, John-Michael Swannix gets out of the office to interview people in their communities and help tell their stories.

Key facts

Career: Reporter, TV3
Programme: Bachelor of Arts
Subjects: Media, Film and Television; Politics and International Relations

"I'm a reporter for TV3's political current affairs show Newshub Nation. My role involves researching stories, interviewing decision-makers and ordinary Kiwis who're generally trying to make New Zealand a better place, but have different ways of going about it.

"My favourite part of the job is getting out of the office, meeting people and yarning about the issues affecting them or their community. That may sound like a cliché but it's the truth! There aren't many jobs like it.

"My first major in Politics and International Relations means I have a wealth of background knowledge about the people and decisions that have shaped the political landscape we have today.

"My second major in Media, Film and Television has been essential in developing my understanding of how vital camera-work, music and framing are in telling a visual story and how the audience understands it.

"I particularly enjoyed the practical papers that were a part of my Politics and Media, Film and Television majors. These teach you skills that employers will be looking for when they're hiring. I know that the in-studio course in my second year helped confirm that journalism was a passion of mine.

"If you're thinking of studying Arts, go for it! It's a whole lot of fun and will help you greatly in your career if you take up all the opportunities it provides."