Congratulations to Bachelor of Media and Communications student, Nathan Falkner, who was recently awarded the first-year prize for Media and Communications – a remarkable achievement for someone who only recently returned to study after deciding to change careers.
After many years working as a teacher, Nathan was feeling unfulfilled. He decided it was time to pursue his passion for sports journalism.
“In 2022, I went soul-searching for a new career, something that would give me purpose,” he says. “My partner came across a short course for sports commentary and figured I should give it a go.”
“It was fantastic,” he says. “Commentating a game of sport felt natural, as if I’d found my calling. However, there is no clear career path for sports commentary.”
Nathan continued casual teaching while commentating local sport in Albury–Wodonga, but soon realised he wanted to take the next step.
“After a couple of years, I figured it was time to see if a tertiary degree in media could help propel me to where I want to go.”
He researched several universities before deciding on La Trobe.
“After receiving my offer, my partner, two puppies and I packed our bags and moved down to Melbourne to pursue the dream.”
Nathan says the experience so far has exceeded his expectations.
“I feel like I’ve learned so much and the course has really enhanced my skills. One highlight is being able to learn from amazing individuals who work in the media and sport industry. Their expertise has been paramount to my development as a learner in this space.”
“I’ve also been fortunate to meet many like-minded people in my classes. Not only are they great to be around, but we push each other to achieve the best results possible.”
After graduating, Nathan has a clear goal in mind.
“My dream is to commentate sport at the highest level, whether that’s the Olympics or a national sporting competition. That being said, I would be more than happy working in a media department for a major sporting club or writing sport articles for a publication. I just want to be involved in sport media.”
