Student scores ABC Traineeship

Shantal Hayden has been selected for the 2022 ABC CALD Traineeship. Pic: SUPPLIED

RMIT Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) student Shantal Hayden has been selected by the ABC to undertake a traineeship for culturally and linguistically diverse students.

The ABC’s Asia Pacific Newsroom will host Shantal for 20 days early next year, with an immersive experience across television, radio and digital.

Shantal will then be considered for a paid role as an ABC journalist for a semester.

The Hampton Park resident said she was delighted to receive the opportunity.

“I feel incredibly privileged and honoured to be a part of the CALD internship program for 2022, and I am extremely excited to be working with ABC’s Asia Pacific Network,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can in the industry and growing both as a person and a journalist.”

Asia Pacific ABC News managing editor Matt O’Sullivan said he was looking forward to bringing Shantal on board.

“Our partnership with RMIT provides us with access to talented emerging journalists who can bring a new perspective and experience to our newsroom,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“We are really excited to work with Shantal, who impressed us with her passionate approach, strong ideas, and deep connections to her local community.”

RMIT professional placement lecturer Sonja Heydeman said RMIT enormously values its close industry partnerships.

“This internship program provides life-changing opportunities for our students to develop key skills, experience and networks, while working with and learning from a team of incredibly talented journalists,” Ms Heydeman said.