Excelling in the Learning Waves Graduate Journalism Programme: Nicola Flynn's Journey.

For any aspiring journalist accepted onto the Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme, the next five months promise to be both exciting and transformative. One recent graduate, Nicola Flynn shares her experience of making the most of the opportunity and the lessons she learned along the way. 

In September 2024, she began her placement with Cork’s 96fm & C103, arriving with a passion for storytelling and a small amount of radio experience. From day one, she embraced a valuable piece of advice “Never say no.” Initially daunting, this mindset proved crucial in shaping a dynamic and rewarding placement. 

Her early days involved scripting and voicing stories, helping to build bulletins, and eventually reading them live on air. Live reading was a particular challenge, intimidating at first, but Nicola’s persistence paid off. After each broadcast, she would listen back, critique her performance, and steadily improve. By the end of the programme, what once seemed impossible had become second natural to her.  

Within just a few weeks, she found herself stepping outside of her comfort zone, contributing to both a farming programme and a sports show, two areas she had never envisioned working in. Yet both experiences proved unexpectedly enriching. She interviewed drifting World Champion James Deane for the sports segment, offering listeners a fresh perspective on a niche motorsport rarely covered in mainstream media. Her continued work on FarmTalk opened the door to conversations with young and experienced farmers, women in agriculture, and innovators in sustainable farming. What began as a challenge into a true highlight of her placement. 

As her confidence grew, so did her understanding of what it takes to be a great broadcast journalist. Another lesson became clear: “Don’t take no for an answer.” While professional boundaries must always be respected, she learned the value of perseverance, asking hard questions and pushing for stories that matter. In broadcasting, it often takes persistence to secure powerful interviews and uncover meaningful stories. 

She also speaks highly of the weekly lectures delivered as part of the programme. The trainers, with decades of industry experience, offered invaluable insights across the broad spectrum of media. Asking questions, engaging with the content, and following up when needed proved to be just as important as the hands-on experience. 

Nicola’s advice for future participants? Embrace every opportunity, no matter how unexpected it may seem. The Graduate Journalism Programme is a rare chance to learn from leading professionals and gain practical experience in a live broadcast environment. Above all, enjoy the process! It’s a unique and unforgettable step into the world of radio journalism. Be sure to apply for the programme today: https://www.learningwaves.ie/journalism-graduate-programme