This is the first in a series where we talk to our students about the work that that they do outside College and university to prepare them for the future. Paid jobs, internships, work experience, volunteering – St Andrew’s students are energetic and enthusiastic about gaining valuable work experience and improving their skills.
Meet Kiran Gupta (Fr 2019). You may have seen his name in a by-line – either on Drew’s News, the St Andrew’s College student blog, or a myriad of other publications. Kiran is studying a Bachelor of Arts (Media Studies) and Bachelor of Laws at the University of Sydney and attended Sydney Grammar School. We chatted with him about his journalism internship with the Sydney Morning Herald.
“I quickly learnt that efficiency and writing to deadlines is just as important to good journalism as good writing.”
Tell us a bit more about your internship
I have been writing for the Sydney Morning Herald since September 2021. An internship is a compulsory part of my university course (Bachelor of Arts (Media Studies) and Bachelor of Laws). My university co-ordinator forwarded my CV and experience to the Sydney Morning Herald. I then had to write three sharp pitches quickly and write a cover letter before I was officially placed.
What was your role during the internship?
I’ve been really lucky that I’ve got to work all around the paper. I have worked on stories in the Sport, MyCareer, Education, Crime, Pandemic and Environment sections of the paper. I’ve also been published in Good Food.
It’s been really important that I have been exposed to a wide range of sections as it has helped to broaden my journalistic experience and my general knowledge.
I am a journalism intern so my main role has been writing and pitching stories as well as interviewing people. I have contributed to more than 20 stories – and counting! I’ve enjoyed writing about all different things but I have absolutely loved writing about sports. Watching and playing sport has always been a passion of mine, and there’s nothing more exciting for me than communicating sport and my love for sport to an audience. I’ve got to do interviews with players, match reports and a deep dive into Namibian cricket which was an amazing experience. I’ve also loved writing about food (because who doesn’t love trying new restaurants and writing about them?)
How do you feel working with SMH will help you achieve your goals?
It has been an incredible experience. The opportunity to learn from the most experienced journalists in the country is something I am incredibly grateful for. Everyone has been so supportive and welcoming of me which has been incredible. Working with the SMH has really allowed me to hone my journalism skills. When I first started my internship, I was interviewing way too many people for my stories and spending too long perfecting them. I quickly learnt that efficiency and writing to deadlines is just as important to good journalism as good writing. I’ve really honed my skills and now I can write a piece I’m really proud of in an hour (which is necessary for articles like sports match reports). The SMH has helped me to develop my journalism skills and reflect upon my own writing, which is really important in making sure that I continue to improve.
How did you feel getting a front page article?
It was amazing. I think that’s a special moment for any budding journalist to see your by-line on the front page of a paper like the SMH! It’s important to note that I had a lot of assistance and mentoring from other journalists at the paper on the article which I am extremely grateful for and was crucial to making sure it hit the front page. That was a very proud moment for me!
What made you choose St Andrew’s College?
I think the rich intellectual culture and the community most attracted me to Drew’s. I saw Drew’s as a place where I could develop both intellectually and personally in a community of like-minded individuals. What I have discovered at Drew’s is an incredible sense of community and mateship that really leaves its mark on everyone. While not everyone may have the same interests, everyone gets behind each other and supports them in their pursuits.
What other extra-curricular activities have you taken part in at College?
Many (more than I can count!) I have been the editor of Drew’s News for the past two years, I am the co-founder of ‘We Need to Talk’, a radical discussion group dealing with controversial issues. I was also the vocal secretary and the captain of choir, an academic tutor for over 20 university subjects and I was selected to be a mentor in Welcome Week by my peers.
How has St Andrew’s helped you toward achieving your goals?
Drew’s has been very good to me. I have been provided with mentoring and support since the first day I walked through the door. From the pastoral care team continually checking on everyone during my Welcome Week to the support I have been given to further the intellectual development of the College and cultivate projects like Drew’s News and ‘We Need to Talk’, the College has always been very supportive of my goals and my desire to help others to achieve their goals. There’s not much else you could ask for from an educational institution.
What’s the best thing about College?
The community. (That’s all I need to say!)
You can read some of Kiran’s articles online. Here are two of his favourites: