Journalism graduate lives her own Disney Adventure

Jacquelyn Curtis

22 August 2006: An obsession with movies, music and all things entertainment has resulted in employment with Australia's biggest media empire for one talented graduate.

For Gabby McMillan, communications/journalism graduate and Gordon Burgoyne Memorial Prize recipient for most outstanding journalism student, indulging in her passion for entertainment is a daily occurrence since landing her "dream job" as sub-editor for youth magazines Disney Adventures and Disney GiRL.

Ms McMillan (centre) has met plenty of stars through her job including the Young Divas (from left) Kate DeAraugo, Paulini Curuenavuli, Emily Williams and Ricki-Lee Coulter

Both magazines are pitched at youth aged between six and 15 and belong to Australian Consolidated Press (ACP), the largest magazine publisher in Australia.

For Ms McMillan, securing her job just months after graduating seemed "too good to be true".

As the only sub-editor for both magazines, Ms McMillan is responsible for ensuring the magazines are "practically perfect".

"Basically, it is my responsibility to make sure everything is the best it can be," she said.

Perks

A typical workday for Ms McMillan involves proofreading, rewriting articles, creating eye-catching headlines and writing features, quizzes and puzzles.

"I also have to liaise with editors, writers, designers, art directors and advertising employees on a daily basis to make sure we're covering everything we're meant to - I have my fingers in lots of pies!" she said.

Her job is the envy of anyone who aspires to working in the magazine world - the job perks include interviewing celebrities, plus free movies and CDs.

Ms McMillan credits the journalism school and rigorously pursuing work experience to helping her secure the job.

"I had a wonderful time at the University," she said. "The staff were also really supportive, especially Jennifer Kitchener, Keith Hooper and Felicity Packard; they kept motivating me to try my best."

Experience

A former Monitor intern, Ms McMillan says 'getting your name in print' is extremely important for pursuing a career in the media.

"While I spent three years studying at the University of Canberra, I also spent three years writing for any publication that would publish me."

"Complete as much work experience as you can," she said. "A journalist told me if I wanted to get a job in the media, I needed to do work experience - she was correct!"