Jennifer Hansen

'Spotlight' is designed to give us all inspiration and confirm that anyone can make his or her business dream or that promotion a reality...

Read on to find out about a well-known face to most Melbournians, Jennifer Hansen from the Channel Ten News Team.

Profile
My interest in writing began at school where I contributed to the school magazine and ended up being co-editor in my final year. I then studied for an Arts Degree at Melbourne University) majoring in English Literature and Criminology) and wrote for the student publication, Farrago. While at university I worked part time, writing for a local newspaper, "The Southern Cross", and a Sunday metropolitan newspaper, "The Sunday Observer". At the beginning of third year Uni, I applied for a cadetship at Channel Ten, starting immediately! It was a tough year doing both - studying full-time and working five days a week, but tit was worth it, to finally complete my degree (and pass!) and to start working in the television industry.

Occupation/Title
News presenter/journalist

Company/Organization
Network Ten - Ten News

State
Victoria

Age
30 something

Where did you grow up?
I was born in Orbost, in south east Victoria and spent several years in a tiny Gippsland town called Can River and then moved to Melbourne when I was three and have been there ever since!

What was your first job?
Delivering medicines and tablets for a local pharmacy when I was 11 years old.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
My goals changed frequently and included a lawyer, an artist, a doctor, an actor and a journalist.

How did you land your role at Channel 10?
As I mentioned above, I was working for a number of newspapers and when attending press conferences, saw how life "on the road" was for journalists in the electronic media and decided that was a field I wanted to work in. I applied at the beginning of third Year University and my timing just happened to be right.

How many hours do you work a week?
My hours vary each week, because as well as my 'news' work, there are charity and public commitments, public speaking and school visits. My week is usually made up of three short days (which allows me to spend time with my two young children Veronica, 5 and Tom, 30 and two long days. On Thursdays and Fridays I start work at 9.45 and write and present news updates throughout the day. Most evening\s I finish about 6.15.

Where would you like to be (career wise) in ten years time?
That's a secret! In an ideal world I'd love to host a chat show, a little more serious than a "Tonight Live" show perhaps similar to a Michael Parkinson's programme. And I'd like to be a published author - I'm working on it!

What advice would you give to somebody embarking on their first business or aspiring to achieve extraordinary career goals?
Write down your goals and a time frame in which to achieve them. Dedicate yourself to your goals and work hard. Don't be disillusioned by rejection - I have folder of rejection letters! Persevere and prove them wrong! Don't just talk about what you are going to do one day - as the Nike slogan goes "Just Do It"! Make sure you are truly passionate about your goals and look to mentors to find inspiration.

What do you class a your biggest career achievement?
Being offered the role of co-presenter of the 5pm news at ten.

Fast Facts
Name a movie that actually inspired you?
Broadcast News

Your favourite toy as a child?
Books (I set up my own library) and my Chrissy doll!

What are you reading?
"From Print to Publication" by Carole Baker.

Your favourite city in the world and why?
Paris because it is stunning architecturally, and exudes and atmosphere of romance and extraordinary artistic culture.

What is your idea of the perfect Sunday?
A Sunday that is part of a weekend away by the coast (Fairhaven or Lorne), staying with friends who also have children. Sleeping in (in my dreams!), having a late breakfast while reading the newspapers
Undisturbed, then spending time on the beach, followed by a long lunch in the sun on a warm verandah overlooking the sea with good food, good wine and interesting conversation!