If Isabella Cooke wanted to see where her Dark Mofo internship might take her, she didn’t have far to look.
Isabella’s mentor at Mofo, Communications Coordinator Keira Leonard, was herself a former intern at the festival.
It made for a special student-graduate synergy for the pair, who have both studied the Bachelor of Media and Communication.
“Keira told me during the interview process that she was a graduate of UTAS, which was incredible to hear as it really put into perspective that it could be me one day,” third-year student Isabella says.
“She has been wonderful to talk with, especially with her having done everything I am doing.”
The internship is one of four across the media, marketing, art program and technical teams at Dark Mofo, part of a partnership with the University’s School of Creative Arts and Media.
Isabella fell in love with public relations and social media management during her course, after mulling careers in advertising and children’s entertainment.
“I absolutely love being the voice that connects the public to things I am passionate about,” she says.
“The internship is inspiring me to continue to work hard in my studies to become a media manager or coordinator in the future.”
It’s also provided plenty of hands-on experience: liaising with local and interstate journalists, attending media calls, ensuring artist and producer interviews run smoothly and helping out with media releases.
“The general atmosphere in the Dark Mofo office is like being in a beehive, especially as the festival was just about to start,” Isabella says. “Everyone is buzzing with excitement trying to ensure everything is ready and set for go-time.”
Keira says her own festival internship was an eye-opener to the opportunities available to Media and Communication graduates.
“Before the course, I couldn't comprehend what roles were out there for me,” she says. “I completed the internship knowing much more clearly where I would fit in this industry, with a skillset in news and journalism and a passion for music and the arts.”
Her top tips for Isabella? Expect the unexpected, don’t be afraid to ask and build your network by getting to know people.
They’re messages her intern has appreciated.
“She has been a tremendous help through the internship so far and I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside her,” Isabella says.
If a hands-on media experience at one of Australia’s most exciting festivals is something you’re interested in, find out more here.