Belinda Craigie
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Communication Studies and Political Studies (Otago), Postgraduate Honours in Media Studies (Victoria)
Belinda Craigie's time studying Communication Studies at Otago prepared her well for a career in Media and PR.
In particular, her studies helped develop her 'critical eye', something that is required to identify significant and interesting news angles. However, she says, studying Communication Studies is about more than getting a job.
“Communication is paramount to everything we do. It's important – not to mention fascinating – to learn about the history and development of communication and the power of the media.
“I found the courses on public relations and propaganda very intriguing – especially learning how certain figures throughout history have exercised power using techniques of propaganda. I enjoyed dissecting elements of the news and learning about how the news agenda is set – and how closely intertwined this can be with political interests.”
Being a Communication Studies student at Otago University led to time on exchange at the University of California, Berkeley, which Belinda calls a 'stand out' from her time at Otago.
“Taking Media Studies classes at a renowned international university was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I soaked up the experience.”
For Belinda it's the whole package that makes studying at Otago the best – “the quality and availability of the courses on offer, the sense of community among students and faculty, and the university facilities available to students are all what makes Otago great”.
Belinda now works as the PR & News Editor – Hair & Beauty for Reed Exhibitions Australia.
“I'm learning new things every day and trying to further my writing skills to create more interesting and engaging content.”