”I could write a story about the SAJ teachers...”
He always knew he would do journalism. But still, initially he studied law. He says he never regretted this choice, because all the knowledge he got over the years helps him today in journalistic work, which he succeeds in. First, however, was the School of Advanced Journalism, which he entered in the spring of 2013, becoming one of the 15 students of the eighth class of graduates. After the School, he worked as a reporter for PRO TV Chisinau and then as an editor of www.protv.md. Now he is a political analyst for the Agora.md news portal, and in early July he has become the host of the “OffSide” show – a new online media project launched by the Agora team. We are talking about our graduate Mihai Avasiloaie.
Today, three years after graduation, we decided to ask Mihai about the advantages of studying at the SAJ. Here is what the journalist pointed out.
1. During the ten months of study at the SAJ, you do not just study journalism, you also practice it
“Whether your materials are read or viewed by 2 or 20,000 people, every journalistic product is like a child that you educate step by step: from documentation to planning and from production to “packaging.” You learn all these things at the SAJ – perhaps the only place in Moldova where high-quality journalism in taught within a relatively short period of time and where some of the best media professionals share their knowledge, flair, and experience. You just need to wish and take what you are given… I think that the biggest advantage of the School – its strength I'd say – is a successful combination of theory and practice instead of boring lectures. At the SAJ you are explained what a news story or a report is, how to write it, and how do an interview or investigation, and then you are given a recorder or a camera and you just do to the scene of events to work on your material. There is also a lot of team work, exactly like in a real newsroom.”
2. You will learn precisely what you need from reputable specialists
“I could write a story about the SAJ teachers. They are the people who come and tell you how to edit, shoot, and cut journalistic materials. They are people who do journalism on a daily basis and know exactly what news should look like to be included into radio or television newscasts. I had a great opportunity and a great honor to work together with Vasile Botnaru, Alina Radu, Nadine Gogu, Artur Corghencea, Angela Ivanesi, Dorin Scobioala, Dumitru Marian, Liliana Barbarosie, Petru Macovei, Liliana Nicolae, Nicolae Pojoga, and many others. The most important thing is that many of the SAJ teachers are also the managers of media outlets, so you may be hired immediately after graduation. After leaving the School, you can be anything: reporter, editor, cameraman, photojournalist, or host. You can work on television or radio, you can write for a newspaper or magazine, or, why not, even run your own media business. It's perfect, isn't it?”
3. At the SAJ you learn to be a universal journalist
“From news to creation of your own community newspaper – that's the journey of every SAJ student. Some start from nothing, others have certain knowledge in this area, but all are equal to teachers. We learned to be universal journalists. We know how to shoot and cut a TV report, edit a material for radio, make a newspaper layout, create infographics, and make creative photos of good quality. A proof of that is the fact that I use everything I learned at the School in my daily work.”
4. You master the tools needed to obtain information of public interest
“They say that an informed person is a protected person. At the School of Advanced Journalism I learned what rights I have as a reporter and how I can get information, especially information of public interest.”
5. You will make new friends and lasting relations
“I think I am not the first nor probably the last graduate who says that the SAJ is the place where not just strong professional relations, but also lasting friendships are made, and... even destinies are joined. I am proud to be part of the large family of the School of Advanced Journalism, of over 160 graduates now.”
6. Between opportunities and sacrifice
“Journalism means plenty of opportunities, but it also requires certain sacrifices. In addition, if you do not have the right attitude, then journalism is not for you. Journalism must bring to light problems and improve the world we live in.”