"I wouldn't have got this experience if it wasn't for Learning Waves" : reflections from a 2023 Journalism Graduate as the 2024 programme opens for applications.
"I would not have got this experience and i wouldn't have got it in a National Radio Station if it wasn't for Learning Waves, that never would have happened for me," says Isabella Finn, 2023 Learning Waves Journalism Graduate who completed her placement in Newstalk. Isabella was one of ten students selected for the award winning Journalism Graduate Programme run by Learning Waves. The programme is funded by stations across the Independent Radio Sector along with Coimisiún na Meán and Skillnet Ireland.
The applications for the Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme 2024 are now open. This previous iteration highlights the dedication of the Independent Radio Sector, Coimisiún na Meán, and Learning Waves Skillnet in cultivating the next wave of journalistic talent. With each passing year, the Journalism Graduate Programme continues to evolve, solidifying it's reputation as a pivotal platform for budding journalists eager to make their mark in the dynamic world of radio. In 2023 the programme was awarded the Best Graduate Initiative at the Learning and Development Institute Awards.
In 2024 we are offering 10 graduates the opportunity to work in one of Ireland's Independent Radio stations for a period of 5 months. The programme offers extensive hands-on training, providing students with the essential skills required to excel across various departments of a radio station, including newsroom operations, current affairs, and sports broadcasting. Each student is paired with a dedicated mentor from their assigned radio station, ensuring personalised guidance throughout their training journey. Participants will engage in a structured training curriculum facilitated by Learning Waves, further enhancing their industry knowledge and expertise.
In assessing the application for the 2024 programme, the assessors acknowledged the ambition of the 2024 programme and the emphasis on inclusivity and equality of access. The programme will allow graduates to build their portfolios and create new programme content which will be reflective of the station's audiences.
In addition to having the opportunity to create and broadcast content, graduates can avail of the opportunity to obtain a Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the London College of Music on successful completion of the programme. Of the ten graduates who took part in the programme in 2024, 8 are now working full-time in the sector across stations including LMFM, Clare FM, Shannonside, Classic Hits and Newstalk.
As we embark on the 2024 programme, it's worth reflecting on the remarkable journey of the 2023 graduates. Below is the feedback from the 2023 graduates:
“I got to work in a great station and to get out of my comfort zone. Working on my initiative and coming up with ideas was something I was able to develop - the feedback from my mentor, Emer O'Hea, was invaluable. Being able to read the news was a highlight. I was still very fresh from college so being put into a working newsroom, sourcing the news and reporting the news, is an experience that has been invaluable. I would like to thank Learning Waves and Cork's 96FM for the experience.” Steven Fox
“The programme was great, I can’t think of any negatives. From day one it was hands on, picking up the phone and cold calling people. The second week I was there I was sent out to RTÉ to cover the Patrick Kielty announcement as the new Late Late Show host. I was also one of the first people on the scene at the Dublin riots on O’Connell Street. I never thought I could do things like that but the Journalism Graduate Programme gave me the confidence. I feel more confident as a journalist.” Eoin Glackin
“The Journalism Graduate Programme gets you ready for the industry. I think it was very comprehensive - we covered all areas of broadcasting. It was an all round programme for me - news, programming, arts, culture, sports. The experience made me more confident interviewing people, honing my researching skills and note taking. Voice training in particular was a massive help. Before I completed the programme I would have been very wary about applying to places or trying to get into the sector. Now I know I would have confidence applying for jobs. The future's looking good. I’m still with FM104 working in a freelance capacity.” David Seagrave
“The programme worked really well for me. From the beginning I knew exactly why I was there and what I was there to do. I was always made to feel like being part of the team. There is only so much you can learn in college - to be working on content in real time is what this gives you. The standout training for me is voice training with Eric Dixon. The Journalism Graduate Programme is the next step up from college and studying into the newsroom environment. There are lots of things happening every day in a newsroom that you have minutes to verify and confirm before you can put it to air. I got a full-time job straight away and that was because of the programme.” Michael Lavery
“My mentoring in Clare FM was excellent. From an education perspective and a hands-on experience. I can work under pressure now and that is something you learn on the job. I’m faster under pressure. I don’t overthink as much as before. I always felt the graduate should see themselves as full-time employee. It is a good day when your story is the top story on the news bulletin - great personal recognition. The zoom workshops allowed me to step outside my comfort zone. The pitching of ideas in Galway gave me the confidence to go up to my boss and pitch.” - James Hanly
“It was a brilliant programme. It has been wonderful getting stuck into the newsroom and working with the reporters. Baptism of fire is a brilliant thing. If you have too much time to prepare then you have too much time to think. I had a huge issue with my confidence and this programme has helped me enormously. I am proud of myself for taking on this challenge. There has been a lot of confidence building and this has been a huge progress. One of the highlights was wiriting about six dolphins that were trapped in Dingle - I heard about this and then got it verified. Locals helped work them back into deep water. It turned out to be a lovely news package and the story was then picked up by Newstalk. The workshop in Galway was great to open up and learn from each other. I’m going to miss it all now as I have really enjoyed it.” Katelyn Galvin
“The programme went great. It allowed me to gain the experience and skills to be in a position to go for a job. I got offered a full time position after the 5 months. The highlight - getting on air after five weeks. I started doing news bulletins. Reading off a script and a screen that was one of the highlights. I was given a chance and they trusted me to do it which was great. Having face to face opportunities to approach people for interviews - how to come up with questions on the spot. Building my knowledge on news and current events e.g. proposed closure of Roscommon Post Office - I had to approach so many people to go on air. The skills of approaching people and convincing them. The hands-on experience is key. My confidence is far greater now from where I was at the start to where I am know. The workshops with Garrett and Jackie in Galway and the pitching process that we were put into have been invaluable. The in person opportunities to meet the trainers is key and allows you to build relationships that you don’t build on zoom.” Darragh O’Connor
“I loved the programme. I had an unusual journey as I did my journalism degree in 2020 but missed my opportunity to get into the journalism business due to Covid so I did a PR qualification in between. Getting the opportunity to have a live interview and a package on the Pat Kenny show in just a few weeks was unbelievable.” Isabella Finn
“The Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme is invaluable to anyone who wants to get started in the radio industry. I feel much more confident in my skills as a reporter after the 5 months of my internship. I feel like I can now go out and do vox pops, package reports on events, and read news bulletins with such ease, which I wasn’t able to do before. I was able to develop these skills in real time by working in the newsroom. You get the chance to be a real reporter and contribute to your station. I also learned a lot through the online classes and workshops. You get insights from some of the best professionals in the industry. To anyone considering applying for the 2024 programme, I would recommend it. It gives you the chance to really accelerate your skills in a professional environment.” Caoimhe Killeen
Not only is it important to hear from the graduates, the mentors view of the programme is vital to its success. Below is a snap shot of the feedback from the 2023 mentors:
"It is only when you get in here and stuck into the Learning Waves programme that the evidence of how good a structure it is really does become clear." Sean O'Regan, Newstalk
"The Journalism Graduate Programme is excellent and graduates have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. It’s important to work closely with the graduate and ensure they are progressing weekly. We’d love to participate in the JGP again." Emer O’Hea, Corks 96FM
"Overall the Journalism Graduate Programme is fantastic. If there was another opportunity in the future we would definitely take another graduate." - Dan Pitcher, Classic Hits
"We would take part in the programme again. It is perfect to have a link between college and real world." Kevin O’Mahoney, FM104
"It's a great opportunity for people to get into radio and who are genuinely interested in the sector. We could be delighted to participate again.” Michael Carolan, LMFM
“The Journalism Graduate Programme is excellent and it came at a good time for us. The fact that we could bring someone in full time over a period of months, it was absolutely brillian." Padraic Flaherty, Clare FM
“The JGP is just great. Its been great for the three years." Martin Howard, Shannonside
“We are delighted to be involved with the graduate programme. It is so well structured and so well put together by Learning Waves and Garrett Harte. We find it very rewarding as a station." Treasa Murphy, Radio Kerry
"The Journalism Graduate Programme is superb. We have been spoiled with outstanding candidates." Martin Howard, Shannonside
If you would like to be at the cutting edge of journalism in Ireland why not apply for the 2024 programme. Click here to apply.