While most students spend time eyeing their dream job that's listed on an organisation's website, very few will take a risk and apply for a position they're not qualified for. However, for Lane Sainty, a current Media and Communications student, the risk paid off.

 

After applying for a position at BuzzFeed on a whim, she scored a full-time job. 

 

"BuzzFeed was hiring a politics reporter, and I thought I may as well apply just to get my name in there and maybe land an interview," says Sainty.

 

"I interviewed with them, and left the building thinking “I completely screwed that up.” But they asked me back for a second interview, and then offered me a full time position as a reporter focusing on LGBTI issues... It was one of the most surprising moments of my life."

 

Sainty might not have a university degree under her belt, but she has the skill set to succeed in her position. A love of reading and shows like Frontline fostered a passion for writing from a young age that sparked her to pursue a career in media. 

 

"It allows you to be at the centre of the action, but as an observer. It’s also a job where you’re doing something different every day, you speak to a huge cross-section of people, and you’re constantly challenged," says Sainty.

 

She's built herself quite the portfolio, having written articles for BULL and Honi Soit, some of which went on to be published in The Guardian and ABC's The Drum. For Sainty, writing articles and doing internships became a priority, helping her to hone in on her skills.

 

But Sainty is known for more than her killer writing skills. She's had a large presence in the LGBTI community on campus. She was the President of SHADES, where she focused on making the society more diverse and inclusive.

 

"I was really eager to foster a sense of community for LGBTI people on campus by providing a variety of events so everyone could find the same sense of community I found on campus," says Sainty.

 

Promoting awareness about issues in the LGBTI community is something she's proudly brought to her new role at BuzzFeed.

 

"The LGBTI community is hugely complex, and being able to try and show a bit of that depth countering the narrative that it’s all about Mardi Gras and marriage equality is something I feel really lucky to be able to do," says Sainty.

 

"It’s great, because I get to talk to people from across the board from queer teens, to the children of same-sex parents, to transgender women who can’t get in to homeless shelters, to Senator Penny Wong."