Fire and ink: A dual journey into the worlds of firefighting and journalism

I reluctantly agreed; after all, my job is to write about people, not about myself. But a promise is a promise.

Hailing from Echuca, Mark is Shepparton’s senior station officer and a hazmat course co-ordinator, while also undertaking higher duties as a commander.

Here I am, Kady Hadjab, a third-year cadet at The News, prepared to delve into our career shifts.

What inspired you to transition from your previous career?

Mark Whitehead:

I worked as a technician for years, repairing photocopiers across several sites. Despite enjoying the technical aspects of my job and travelling extensively to the state to get to sites, I reached a point where I had no more career progression in my current job. I couldn’t challenge myself any more.

Motivated by discussions with friends in the CFA as career firefighters, I was drawn to the potential for work-life balance, professional development, and limitless career progression in the firefighting field.

As a firefighter, you can go as far as you’d like if you want to push yourself.

Facing unknown challenges, bringing calm to chaotic situations, the rewarding experience of working closely with a team and serving the community are aspects of my new career that I appreciate the most.

Kady Hadjab:

Transitioning from adolescence to making life-altering decisions can be overwhelming. Some effortlessly find a suitable career straight out of high school, while others embark on a prolonged journey of uncertainty and self-discovery.

To my parents’ despair, university was a canvas for experimentation for years. I changed degrees several times, hoping for a magical realisation to help me find my way. Life had other plans for me, though, leading me to arrive in Australia at age 24 with no other plan than to “see the world and practise my English”. Through the various jobs typically held by migrants, from waitressing to cleaning, I worked hard until I eventually became an office administrator at a reputable private school. While the perks seemed ideal, the reality was different. I was grateful for what I had achieved in so little time, but I couldn’t help but feel a depressing sense of emptiness and boredom.

The pandemic became an accidental catalyst that propelled me back to university to study International Studies, a journey I relished.

How did you prepare for the transition into your new job?

Mark: To secure a position as a firefighter, I cannot emphasise the importance of meticulous preparation enough. Mastering interview techniques was a pivotal focus, and I engaged in extensive practice, conducting mock interviews with friends and family. I eventually was faced with a challenge: when it comes down to trying to sell yourself, it’s not easy for many people.

Commitment to preparation extended to various components of the selection process, including fitness, strength building and aptitude tests. Now, in my role, I find myself sitting on interview panels, completing a full-circle experience — from once being an interviewee to currently assessing new applicants.

Kady: After my International Studies stint, I returned to France to delve into video-making. An enlightening internship at France 24 in Paris revealed my true passion: narrating stories through diverse media.

This revelation culminated in a lengthy and exhausting quest for purpose and fulfilment. The transition, however, was seamless — if at times almost brutal. I swiftly shifted from being a novice intern to assuming the role of a reporter overnight. This immersive experience threw me into the deep end, pushing me to challenge my capabilities beyond what I thought myself capable of. The pivotal moment arrived when France 24 urgently needed a reporter for an assignment to cover French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the Netherlands. Due to a lack of available personnel, my proficiency in filming and fluency in English led me to accept the challenge. The nerve-racking task involved preparing a two-and-half-minute report on quantum physics (a topic I barely knew anything about) and the bilateral relations between the two countries to be broadcast in both French and English to a worldwide audience. Despite my initial panic and subsequent excitement, delivering was not a choice but a necessity. Following this intense and enlightening experience, my transition into journalism became significantly smoother, culminating in securing a third-year cadetship with The News. I am honing my article-writing skills and relishing this facet of journalism.

Did you face any challenges while changing careers, and if so, how did you overcome them?

Mark: Reflecting on my journey through the job application process, a significant challenge stood out: I initially failed the final interview. This setback motivated me to refine my interview techniques and underscore my worthiness as an applicant. Following the unsuccessful attempt, I encountered a 12-month waiting period before getting the opportunity to retake the test. Undeterred, I persevered through additional stages, including redoing the physical test and undergoing a medical examination. The culmination of this process was the commencement of my recruit training in August 2007, marking the realisation of my goal to become a firefighter. The entire journey, from the first attempt to reaching my objective, spanned 18 months, a testament to the determination and resilience required to achieve one’s aspirations.

Kady: The main challenges I faced were having faith in myself and navigating uncertain ground without any assurance of success or a clear roadmap. Opting to gamble on my job security and future prospects in my 30s stands out as one of the most daunting decisions I’ve ever made.

While friends were purchasing their first home, I found myself embracing university life again as a mature-aged student. Many people around me doubted my sanity (me included). The temptation to revert to the familiar, especially after facing multiple discouraging setbacks, loomed constantly, almost pulling me back.

But with the gift of insight, I can now say how grateful I am for my tenacity and determination. The intrinsic value I place on work satisfaction far surpasses any material possessions. The prospect of an exciting future, characterised by professional growth and daily challenges, is a blessing I never want to take for granted.

What skills from your previous career do you find most useful in your role?

Mark: The skills I’ve carried over from my previous role involve a problem-solving mindset and the ability to analyse and fix broken systems. Whether dealing with malfunctioning photocopiers or responding to a house fire, the core principle remains: identifying what’s broken and finding a solution.

Like in my previous job, where I had to troubleshoot and replace faulty parts, I now apply a similar approach when tackling challenges in emergency situations. It’s about understanding the technical aspects, working collaboratively with my team and drawing on my knowledge to find practical solutions. The process involves breaking down complex issues into manageable parts and considering alternative approaches if the initial solution doesn’t work. Essentially, the skill of fixing something that’s broken, be it a machine or a complex situation, transcends both careers, contributing to my effectiveness in my current role.

Kady: I’ve been able to integrate a variety of skills cultivated from my previous experiences. The hospitality sector instilled in me valuable interpersonal skills, such as patience — a crucial attribute that continues to serve me well.

Thanks to my background in administrative roles, I’ve become adept at maintaining rigour and organisation in my tasks. Other than that, my naturally inquisitive and social nature plays a significant role — I genuinely enjoy conversing with people, hearing their stories and translating those experiences into engaging narratives through my writing.

Do you have any advice for anyone keen to get into firefighting?

Mark: If you genuinely want this, put in the work. There are a lot of steps. It’s not just sending in your resume and going for an interview. There are a lot more hoops to jump through. You will be tested on personal, mental and physical levels. I would encourage people to prepare for each stage as it comes up. Keep your eye on the main prize while doing your research and putting in the work.

Do you have any advice for anyone keen to get into journalism?

Kady: If you can, university is a good starting point. The reflections you are encouraged to have on diverse issues allow you to refine your reasoning over time and help you hone your writing skills. You can also become a journalist thanks to your life experiences. Document anything you are passionate about, challenge yourself by reading articles and keep looking for the right opportunities.

It doesn’t matter how young or old you are. Australia offers incredible opportunities to become a journalist with cadetships, which allow you to be trained on the job. As Mark Sanborn justly said: “Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity. Just take an opportunity and make it as perfect as you can.”

• If you are a recent school leaver and looking for an opportunity to get your foot in the door of the journalism industry, click here (https://www.sheppnews.com.au/news/as-good-as-news-applications-open-for-regional-youth-journalism-fellowship-program/) for details on how to apply for the Regional Youth Journalism Fellowship Program — a partnership between McPherson Media Group, Melbourne Press Club, Greater Shepparton Foundation and the Brian M. Davis Charitable Foundation.