Camilla Faragalli, a 2023 graduate of our Contemporary Journalism program, was one of the prestigious Joan Donaldson CBC News Scholarship winners! The scholarship spans from May through August, allowing scholars to develop their expertise working across digital, radio, and TV platforms at CBC.
Camilla learned about the Joan Donaldson scholarship before beginning her time at Centennial. She recalls her initial scroll through the long list of application and portfolio requirements, wistfully thinking, “as if.” However, her work and dedication to her craft in the time since have led her to this incredible accomplishment.
Hearing the exciting news, she says she felt “overwhelming joy and gratitude, disbelief and pure excitement.” Reflecting on her soon-to-be placement, she shares, “I’m most looking forward to returning to a world co-habited by some of the best journalists and producers in the country; to receiving their mentorship and to being inspired every day by the people around me; to forging new connections; to the adventure and thrill that inherently comes with living and working somewhere new, and of course, to the opportunity to be part of telling stories that matter.”
In our Q&A below, Camilla delves into her journey in journalism thus far, her experience at the School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design, her advice to current students, and more.
Q. What initially interested you in pursuing a career in journalism, and how did it lead you to enroll in the Contemporary Journalism program at Centennial?
My first foray into the world of journalism came in high school, writing for, and eventually becoming editor of my school’s tiny print newspaper, The Stand. Fast-forward almost ten years, and I had an undergraduate degree in English from McGill University, an undying love of talking to strangers, and about a million ideas of what I wanted to do next. I was working odd jobs to support a semi-nomadic lifestyle abroad when the COVID-19 pandemic and the illness of a close family member meant having to come – and stay – home (Toronto) for the first time in a long time.
I eventually enrolled in a part-time journalism program taught entirely online, which I completed. I loved every minute but still lacked, I felt, both the experience and practical skills needed to pursue journalism as a career seriously. I soon discovered Centennial’s one-year program for post-grad students like me, and the rest is history.
Q. What are some key takeaways from the program that still stand out to you?
Take your assignments seriously. As a fledgling journalist, they may well be the substance of your portfolio coming out of school. Plus, you have time in school to work on stories that you will not have in the real world; you have the opportunity to finesse your words or go back and get that better photo or call and ask that follow-up question. Use it.
Like most things in life, you will have the opportunity at many points throughout the program to do “more”—and you should. Participate in that optional event and attend that optional excursion—it will enhance your perspective, and your efforts will not go unnoticed.
Speaking of, I cannot overstate the value of your profs; they are your direct connection to the industry (most of them are simultaneously working as journalists in some capacity as well as teaching), they have diverse and nuanced real-world experience and perspective, they are aware of opportunities (events, placements, internships, job openings) you simply could not be privy to as a student. Most of all, they are there to help you. Take advantage of being surrounded by people who genuinely hope to see you succeed.
Finally, value your life experience—it can be a great starting point for story ideas and research because it's more than likely that you're not the only person in the world who grew up that way, or has noticed that trend, or is looking forward to that thing, or is going through that pain.
Q. Can you share the details of your career in journalism so far? What publications have you worked at?
After graduating from Centennial last spring, I was fortunate enough to land an internship at CBC News Toronto, where I spent the summer working on the flagship national radio news show, The World at Six (now Your World Tonight).
I was advised by many of the people working at CBC that gleaning reporting experience in the smaller Canadian markets would allow me the opportunity to explore, develop and hone my journalistic interests and abilities while simultaneously enhancing my perspective on the many different realities that exist concurrently within the country we call Canada. And so, I moved to a town I’d never heard of (population 1200!) in rural Quebec to become a full-time reporter for an independent community paper called The Equity.
I've reported on everything from community bonspiels to robotic cow-milking systems, and while the learning curve was huge, the hours long and the culture shock undeniable, I'm so glad I did it.
Q. What’s your advice to students pursuing a career in journalism?
Read. Watch. Listen. Figure out which stories interest you and what goes into telling them. Do you like talking to people? Are you comfortable approaching strangers in public? Researching? Taking photos? Writing? Asking questions? Make note of the elements that you’re drawn to and which you find intimidating. Practice both. If you’re seriously considering journalism as a career, be aware you will likely need practical skills in more than one form of storytelling.
Article by: Alexandra Few
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