ABC scholarship inspires women in broadcast technology

Janhvi Raj, final year student of the Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic and Electrical Engineering) (Honours) at RMIT won the prestigious scholarship, receiving four weeks’ paid work experience at the brand new ABC studios in Southbank.

Raj completed her internship earlier this year and said the experience was invaluable.

“Winning the ABC’s 2017 Women in Broadcast Technology Scholarship has by far been the most honourable and thrilling moment so far in my journey,” Raj said.

“I was able to observe the day-to-day newsroom and radio environment firsthand and gain a real understanding of the technical side of broadcasting; in particular how the hardware and software systems work, how the radio and television programs are produced, and how to keep a program on air when there’s a technical fault.

“Each day at the ABC brought inspiration, excitement and exhilaration!”

Margaret Cassidy, Deputy General Manager of Technology at ABC said the annual scholarship aims to encourage and support young females entering the field of broadcast technology.

“As we look ahead, we recognise that it is more important than ever to welcome more women to the technical side of broadcasting,” Cassidy said.

“So much of the technology used to gather, create and distribute content is rapidly changing.

“We have new content gathering devices, such as mobile phones and drones, that need to fit with everything else we use, including the microphones, the mixing consoles, the studios – for both video and audio – television, radio and digital.

“We need to ensure all these devices and systems are working and supported so we can capture the stories and the content our audience wants – and the speed at which we’re doing this is rapidly gaining momentum.

“Diversity of thought is now what’s needed in order to put all those pieces together and solve problems to ensure ABC stays on air, online and on mobile.

“It’s an exciting time: we are on the cusp of a new future.”

Cassidy said the internship might also inspire students as they plan their career.

“Importantly, this opportunity is designed to help guide students on career options and consolidate the particular skills they can bring to that career,” she said.

“I’m hoping Janhvi will take what she’s learned at the ABC back to RMIT to share with her fellow students.”

The electrical and electronic engineering program at RMIT covers the generation, distribution and application of electrical energy as well as a comprehensive study of the design and control of electrical and electronic devices and systems.

Raj said it helps to have a natural curiosity about what makes things tick.

“I’ve always been interested in how things work and love being able to take things apart and put them back together again,” Raj said.

“Engineering is the perfect avenue for this as it’s built upon the idea of solving issues and improving systems to help humanity.

“In today’s world, technology is changing every day and engineers need to be ready to adapt changes and keep updating their skills.

“Part of being an engineer is learning how to be comfortable in a challenging situation and my experience at the ABC has really helped me to find my feet and figure out things for myself.

“When I graduate, I’d like to work in the area of broadcast engineering so that I can create new electronic technologies for the industry.”

Story: Rebecca McGillivray