(This article is written by Emma Connelly, first year student in the BCIT Broadcast and Online Journalism program. Photo credit: Emma Connelly.)
As a Broadcast and Online Journalism student at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), I never imagined I would have the opportunity to interview one of Canada’s biggest music stars while in my first year of school.
That changed recently when I got the chance to speak with Michael Bublé, the Grammy-winning singer and hockey enthusiast whose music has reached audiences around the world. For a student journalist, it was the kind of opportunity that felt both exciting and intimidating.
Embracing opportunity with confidence
What made the experience even more meaningful was that I created the opportunity myself. By reaching out to Michael Bublé through Instagram, I connected with a member of his team and worked with her to arrange the interview. It took confidence, communication, and a few follow-up messages, but the experience showed me the value of taking initiative. It was a reminder that sometimes opportunities come from simply reaching out and asking.
Heading into the interview, I was nervous. The Burnaby native has spent decades in the spotlight and has been interviewed countless times by professional reporters and broadcasters. However, his friendly personality quickly put me at ease. He was engaging and generous with his time, making the conversation feel natural despite the pressure I felt as a student interviewer.
Applying learning in a real-world interview setting
The experience gave me a first-hand look at what it means to take part in a professional interview. Preparing questions, researching my subject, and listening carefully to responses were skills I had learned in my program, but applying them in a real-world setting with a high-profile celebrity was an entirely different adventure.
As I reflected afterward, I realized how much of the opportunity was made possible through the Broadcast and Online Journalism program within the BCIT School of Business + Media. The program focuses on hands-on learning and encourages students to gain experience in real life situations. From learning how to write for broadcast and digital platforms to developing interviewing and production skills, the training has helped prepare me for moments like this.
Creating meaningful conversations
The chance to interview Michael Bublé reminded me of why I chose broadcast and journalism in the first place. It’s about connecting with people, sharing stories, and creating meaningful conversations. Speaking with someone whose career has had such a significant impact reminded me of the value of asking thoughtful questions and really listening to the answers.
Building practical skills for job-readiness
I am grateful to BCIT and the instructors who continue to support students by creating opportunities that connect the classroom to the industry. Experiences like this build confidence and help aspiring journalists like me develop the skills needed to succeed in the field.
For me, interviewing Michael Bublé was more than just meeting a celebrity. It was a reminder of what I can achieve through BCIT’s Broadcast and Online Journalism program. It is a moment I will carry with me throughout my career.
Below is a snippet of my conversation with Michael Bublé.
(Note to media: Emma Connelly is available for media interviews. Please contact Amy Chen to schedule.)