Alumna Alison's amazing Sydney adventure

Kristyn Comino

14 April 2014: A self-professed country girl from Griffith NSW, Bachelor of Journalism/Bachelor of Arts graduate Alison Dance is now “living in the big smoke” and promoting one of Australia’s biggest cities through a job at long-running TV show Sydney Weekender.

Ms Dance, 22, is working as a production assistant for the show, now in its 21st year, saying she does everything from organising shoots, writing website content and financial jobs to even picking up presenter Mike Whitney’s dry cleaning.

“Every morning when I arrive at work I am still in awe of the massive building and Channel 7 signs. Seeing my name appear in the credits is so surreal but makes me proud and excited,” Ms Dance said.

While Ms Dance added that “the whole job is the most exciting thing I’ve gotten to do” she said helping on shoots is a highlight and even recently climbed Sydney Harbour Bridge with the team.

Ms Dance scored the role networking during a Sydney Royal Easter Show internship last year, where she worked with programs like Sydney Weekender and Play School, including getting what she calls her “15 seconds of fame” by holding a goat for Karl Stefanovic to milk live on the Today Show.

Alison Dance is working as a production assistant for Channel 7's Sydney Weekender. Photo: Michelle McAulay

She said many skills taught at the University have helped in her new job, including knowledge of industry terminology and writing skills, along with internship opportunities with WIN News, Canberra Weekly, The Area News and 2MIA FM in Griffith and at the Media and Communications Office at the University.

“Studying at University opened my eyes to the value of internships and the immense opportunities they provide. I was constantly encouraged by staff to take on additional work experience and internships,” she said.

“It was these experiences that helped me put theory to practice and I am thankful for the opportunities to extend on my degree.”

Ms Dance was also vice-president of the University’s Public Relations People student society and was made a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, along with receiving a Dean’s Excellence Award and the Canberra Award.

“I’m really proud of myself and eternally thankful to my family for helping me get here. In a way it’s bittersweet, I spent four years working towards this goal and graduation marks the closing of that chapter.”