TOM COWIE
PERSONAL DETAILS
Email: tmcowie@gmail.com
Date of birth: 28 December 1985
OBJECTIVES
I have a strong passion for information and news making. I believe journalists need be able to do more than simply pass on information, they need to be able to make sense of it as well. As the world becomes more complex, journalists are required to digest an extraordinary amount of information in a short space of time. It takes a certain kind of person to want to be a journalist in these times, I believe I am that kind of person.
I aim to complete my undergraduate degree by the middle of 2010. After this I will seek a role at a media organisation. My professional interests include politics, international relations and current affairs.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Journalism
La Trobe University
Graduating mid-2010
Victorian Certificate of Education
Ivanhoe Grammar School
2003
SKILLS
- Has the ability to engage with and build audiences through social and digital media. Proficient and regular user of Twitter and Facebook.
- Highly informed consumer of all forms of media, including print, radio, television and online. High general knowledge of local and international affairs, business, music, culture and sport.
- Skilled writer and sub-editor with the ability to produce content to deadline.
- Possesses initiative to form, suggest and act on concepts for innovative and interesting content.
- Always a productive contributor, whether working as part of a team or individually.
- A technological native highly skilled in a range of PC/Apple products, including Office, Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, GoLive, Final Cut Pro and M.Y.O.B. Also experienced in HTML, SEO and WordPress.
- Active blogger with the ability to market own product using social media, example is campaign built around tomwantsajob.wordpress.com.
EXPERIENCE
Website editor — Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (rscdsmelbourne.org.au)
April 2010 — Current
Tasks involved purchasing server space and domain, as well as building website to specifications. Photoshop, HTML and Dreamweaver were used and principles of SEO were employed.
Intern — Crikey (crikey.com.au)
March 2010 — April 2010
Originally a two-week internship, full-time served was around four weeks. Tasks involved writing copy to specifications set out in the editorial meeting, compiling ‘Media briefs’ section and double-checking pertinent information. All tasks were expected to be completed to a daily deadline.
Editor — upstart magazine (upstart.net.au)
October 2009 — March 2010
Selected by journalism coordinator as second editor of fledgling student publication. Primary tasks involved sub-editing copy, writing news articles and attracting submissions for publication. Position also involved writing opinion, editorials and feature articles. Position also involved regular interaction with editor-in-chief and production editor over editorial direction.
Delegate — Journalism study tour of Kuwait
October 2009
Selected to attend 10 person journalism study tour of Kuwait. As part of the fully-funded tour, delegates were expected to apply a professional attitude to their work. Tasks involved interviewing talent, writing content for publication and building general knowledge of reporting in the Middle East.
EMPLOYMENT
Bar person — The George Hotel
July 2008 – Current
Employment to supplement income during university. Tasks involved bar service, ordering stock and working unsupervised during absence of higher authority. Work also involved the booking and coordinating of functions.
Accounts/Online Services/I.T. — Wangara Poultry & Game
October 2005 – October 2007
Tasks involved handling customer accounts, banking cash takings each day, troubleshooting computer issues, creating and maintaining company website and managing payroll for 35 employees.
REFERENCES
Dr Lawrie Zion
Senior Lecturer, Journalism Coordinator
La Trobe Univeristy
(03) 9479 2961
0414 987 062
l.zion@latrobe.edu.au
Additional references on request
