Students from RSU help organise "Dod pieci!" charity event for sixth year in a row

Many young people dreaming of a career in media start their professional journey through internships. Latvian Radio 5 (LR5) has become an ideal place where students can develop skills and gain unforgettable experiences while working in a creative and friendly team. Many students from Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) and other Latvian universities participate in the Dod pieci! (Give Five!) charity campaign and for six consecutive years, several Communication and Media students from the RSU Faculty of Social Sciences (SZF) have had the opportunity to intern at Latvian Radio 5 throughout the year, fully immersing themselves in the media environment—producing shows, conducting interviews, filming, photographing, and managing social media.

Journalism student Zane Slasporte admits that she has been fascinated by the behind-the-scenes of radio and television since childhood. ‘I work on the morning show Citi rīti (Other Mornings) where I create interviews, greet the guests, and work on segments like Patiesība vai meli (Truth or Lies),’ Zane says describing her responsibilities. ‘Early mornings with colleagues Agnese Pētersone and Jānis Pētersons are always fun and we laugh a lot,’ Zane adds. She proudly mentions her involvement in the Dod pieci! charity campaign, where she had the opportunity to engage with musicians and participate in organising the opening concert.

Meanwhile, Multimedia Communication student Marta Melnalksne describes her participation in the charity event as the most valuable part of her internship. ‘My tasks included inviting guests, coming up with questions for the glass studio discussions, and managing the event’s social media on Instagram.’ Helping during the event gives Marta a huge sense of satisfaction, and has this to say regarding her personal growth: ‘I’ve learned to be more proactive and find ways to assist independently.’ She values the friendly team at LR5 and the chance to work on a meaningful project.

Journalism student Anna Junga admits that at first, she felt overwhelmed by the vast premises of the radio: ‘It felt like being in the first year of university again, but gradually, I got to understand the fast-paced rhythm.’ She worked on the show Neērto jautājumu pastkaste (Mailbox for Uncomfortable Questions) creating scripts and reaching out to guests. Anna fondly recalls her experience at the opening concert of Dod pieci!: ‘I was entrusted with interviewing Olga, one of people invited to share her story, and even overseeing the schedule for the popgroup Prāta vētra (Brainstorm). It was a great honour and a big responsibility.’

‘Every time I enter the radio building, I feel like I’m walking into a palace. It makes you realise you are part of something greater,’ says Public Relations student Evelīna Jansone about the unique atmosphere of the radio. She considers it valuable to gain experience through an internship while contributing to a good cause: ‘You can raise awareness of important topics in society, educate and inform people, seek answers to uncomfortable questions, especially while producing the show Neērto jautājumu pastkaste. It shows that we, the youth, can and do want to speak publicly about what is current and important.’

Multimedia Communication student Dārta Justīne Kolāte focused on more technical aspects during her internship: ‘I filmed, photographed, worked with lighting and cameras, and edited material. It’s exciting and provided me with an opportunity to develop skills that will be useful to me in the future.’ However, Justīne also found that she most enjoyed being part of the Dod pieci! charity event: ‘Being part of the campaign allowed me to learn more about the radio and regularly acquire practical skills while also easing the workload for my colleagues.’

Mandatory internships are not new for RSU students; they are part of the curriculum because connecting studies with the realities of the professional world is critically important for students in order for them to succeed in the job market after graduation. Internships provide students with an opportunity to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge they have acquired in their courses, gain unique experiences, familiarise themselves with new work environments, and collaborate with professionals. These experiences prove invaluable for students’ future careers and personal growth.