Graduate passes on valuable advice to journalism students

If there is one piece of advice USQ graduate Ross Dagan hopes the University's journalism students will take with them when they finish their studies it's that persistence pays off.

Mr Dagan, who hails from Blackall, is now the Channel Ten Queensland news director and returned to USQ recently to pass on some of his knowledge from nearly two decades in the industry.

"In television journalism there are always more applicants than there are positions but it is important that graduates remain enthusiastic and are prepared to give it a go," Mr Dagan said.

"The biggest thing is getting their foot in the door and that means that they have to be persistent."

Before taking up his current position, Mr Dagan held a number of jobs both in Australia and overseas. He said his career so far was proof that students from regional areas could succeed in journalism.

"I started out as a sports reporter on WIN News in Toowoomba and from there have been to a couple of different places including Malaysia where I was part of an international news channel for two years.

"The best thing that I can do for these students is show them that they can get great jobs in this industry even if they are from a small town like Blackall."

USQ Journalism students were also given the chance to quiz Mr Dagan about the skills and knowledge they'll need to impress editors.

"As Channel Ten News director I am always trying to find the best graduates so it was an opportunity for them to pick my brain about what I look for in people going for a job in journalism," he said.

"It is important that graduates have all the necessary skills to operate in any newsroom, such as the ability to work online, operate a camera and have multimedia abilities.

"These are all things that the modern journalist needs."

USQ is not the only university where Mr Dagan has addressed students. He said he would love to return to his alma mater to tell students about the importance of knowing how sections of the industry work before they go looking for employment.