Bianca Martins - Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Journalism)
Bianca Martins was recently crowned the 2007 Best 2nd Year undergraduate journalist. Over the past year, Bianca has written well over 60 articles for Suburban papers The Liverpool Leader and The Canterbury Bankstown Express including 4 front page articles and an Australian exclusive. She won a cadetship with Cumberland News before she completed her degree. Bianca has also proven to be an excellent multi-skilling all rounder with extensive work experience and expertise in television and online journalism.
Why did you choose to study journalism?
I have always been interested in becoming a journalist, ever since I can remember. I like to find things out and then go around and tell people which directly relates to journalism. I also really like talking to people and meeting new people.
Why UTS?
I heard UTS was one of the best Universities for journalism. I was accepted into Western Sydney but I wanted to hold out for UTS because I knew it was the best.
What is the most important thing you have learnt?
When I first started journalism, I was really shy and too intimated to put my hand up and ask questions. Now, through my studies at UTS I have been given the confidence to ask questions. Now, I will go to public conferences and will not hesitate to stand up and have my question heard. Every aspect of journalism is taught at UTS and it is really reflected when you do work experience.
How important is work experience?
It is really important. It is such a cut throat industry so its really hard to get a break into the industry but once your in your in put getting that initial foot in the door is hard work. You really have to work hard and in that respect, work experience is really important.
What do you think of the staff?
I love the staff. The lecturers at UTS have really motivated me to do journalism to the best of my abilities. After having Jenna Price in my first semester the passion she had for her students and her work really rubbed off.
Where do you hope to be in the next few years?
I hope to be in television journalism. I know it is not going to be easy but that is ultimately my goal - to be in television news.