Over the past semester I have attempted to put these things into practice, and this has been my experience thus far.
After researching a few visual effects house I sent an email to “The Lab” in
Sydney asking as politely as possible if I could get work experience or even just a look around the facility. I received no reply to my inquiry. Not content with that outcome I rang the receptionist at “The Lab” and asked who I would talk to about getting work some work experience. It’s much harder for people to say no to you in person. Unfortunately the receptionist had no idea who I should speak to so she gave me the contact details of one of the producers. Now I could have sourced this info off of their web site but by establishing contact with the facility in person I was able to say in my email request that person X on reception advised me to contact you. After a week goes by and I get a response, the producer says she would love to have me visit and suggest what dates I would be available. I got my in. In November I have a personalised tour of “The Lab” with one of its producers.
During the semester I was fortunate enough to meet with Doug Whip, Presentation Manager of Southern Cross Ten Broadcasting Canberra. The uni had organised a meet and great where we were able to talk to him as a group and then on a personal level. He invited all students to visit
Canberra and have a look around their play out facility. I took him up on the offer and went for a day trip to
Canberra. This was invaluable because I knew that two departments there were hiring and I had the opportunity to sit in with both and chat to the teams already their. Well two days latter I got a call from Doug asking me what I thought of the facility. He then invited me to apply for a job that was only being advertised internally within the company. As with most places they promote within house so I was lucky enough to be one of few who actually knew the job was going and was able to apply. I received an interview and travelled back to
Canberra.
The interview stage, I thought, went well. There where two interviewees and I was able to communicate to them in a friendly manner. Unfortunately I did not receive an offer of employment however all was not lost. With my two brief experiences at the facility I was able to give a resounding impression of myself. I now have a few contacts within the company who have readily requested that I maintain contact with them in order to be at the forefront of any upcoming positions.
