Jessica Serna Sierra, originally from Colombia, has embarked on an exciting new chapter at the University of Tasmania. After spending a year and a half in Melbourne, she has recently moved to Tasmania to further both her studies and career.
With a strong background in communications and five years of journalism experience in Colombia, Jessica has had experience working in various roles across the media industry, including leading a team in video production for online courses.
Her passion for storytelling began early and was nurtured through her academic and professional experiences. In Colombia, she worked across different media outlets and non-profit organisations, developing a knack for connecting with people’s stories and crafting compelling narratives across various channels.
Now, as she continues her studies in the Master of Strategic Communication program at the University of Tasmania, Jessica is honing her skills in English and learning to address complex environmental issues through effective communication.
“I enjoyed going out every day to find a good story that people should know about,” she said.
A recent highlight of her experience was having the opportunity to work with a media team at Agfest, a multi-award winning agricultural festival, where she created promotional content for the event.
Jessica has also worked on emotionally significant stories, such as writing obituaries for notable figures, highlighting the importance of connecting with an audience through well-crafted stories. Her work on a tribute to a local musician, in particular, received positive feedback and showed her ability to resonate with readers.
Her current master’s program focuses on strategic communication with a special emphasis on environmental conservation. The program’s hands-on approach and its focus on science communication fit well with her career goals. To add to this, Tasmania’s unique environment also provides a perfect setting for her studies and future work in environmental reporting.
Alongside her studies, Jessica enjoys exploring Tasmania’s natural beauty and participating in university activities. The closely-knit student body at the University of Tasmania, combined with practical projects instead of traditional exams, allows her to build a strong portfolio and equip her with critical thinking skills.
“I found out I really enjoyed writing about the environment and science topics,” she said.
Looking forward, Jessica plans to continue contributing her skills to the Australian media landscape. Her journey reflects her dedication to advancing in communications and environmental journalism, with a focus on impactful storytelling.
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