Meet Katie Gowrie

My Experience with NCCAR

When Rula called to train me for my volunteer work with NCCAR, I knew straight away this would be an exciting learning experience. Through this volunteer internship, I’ve gained knowledge of the Middle East and Canadian policy, as well as practical skills that I can apply to world of journalism and communications. While updating the headlines for the Palestine/Israel section of the website’s news page, I have developed my skills in news judgment.

I have been required to filter through hundreds of stories a day and choose the top eight headlines. My skills in web management have improved, and now I am now able to effectively use RSS feeds, Google Reader and WordPress. Through this internship I have learned to write proper press releases (which put my writing and editing skills to the test!) as well as create and maintain a media contact list. Every morning I get the oppourtunity to monitor news headlines from Canada and around the world about the ongoing issues in Israel and Palestine. Following this string of stories has translated to a better understanding of the Middle East as well as Canadian policy and media. These spheres of knowledge have proven useful in my international reporting classes, and in my general understanding of the world around me. Through NCCAR I have gained access to great resources for school projects and other research, as well as valuable contacts for future news stories and job references. The skills and knowledge I’ve attained through this internship will prove to be invaluable to me in the future.

Posted on January 06, 2012