Anna's story

As a Screen and Media student at Swinburne, Anna is turning her passion for film and television into a practical, hands-on career path.

Avoidance leads to new avenues

Anna began her tertiary studies completing a Bachelor of Education, majoring in literature, film and television. While she loved teaching, her passion was for screen media – and before plunging into full time work, she took a gap year to consider her options.

By the time the second gap year rolled around, Anna realised her avoidance of teaching meant she needed to explore other alternatives. Despite having little experience with VET learning, Anna loved the idea of being more hands-on in her chosen field after many years studying the theory. So, she enrolled in Swinburne’s Diploma of Screen and Media.  

Practical magic

Anna was in awe of the passion the Swinburne teachers had for their craft and their students. Being embedded in the industry themselves, they offered so much more knowledge and practical guidance that would allow her to reach her career goals.

Anna realised she could not only pursue a career within the screen and media industry but also apply her teaching background in a new way. VET teaching, Anna says, allows for more specialisation, as opposed to high school teaching that covers a range of generalist subjects through a bachelor’s degree.

While it still provided a solid intellectual base for her career, the practical learning in a VET course offered opportunities she hadn’t previously considered.  

A creative path

Since completing the Diploma, Anna has now moved onto the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media where she is looking forward to completing internship hours as part of the course. With her teachers assisting throughout the placement process, the students are given opportunities to connect with industry professionals. Anna is also employed at Swinburne as an Employability Peer Assistant where she works with other students getting them job ready.

This includes help with CVs and cover letters, as well as information about the array of available services Swinburne provides to help students transition to the workforce. This insight has been invaluable for Anna’s own career. As for Anna’s advice to others, she says if you have a passion for something go out and try it, your career path doesn’t have to be linear. 

From film and television producing to freelance assistant directing and flexible teaching options, the possibilities in Anna’s future are infinite.