Q&A with Rae Johnston
The GiST chats to Rae Johnston about how she landed her job as co-founder, producer and host of popular tech and gaming podcast Queens of the Drone Age.
What is your educational background?
I was a ‘gifted and talented’ kid, but life took some turns and I only just got through Year 12. Everything I know to do my job, I learned on the job. With the internet, there’s so much access to so many different ways to learn.
Tell us about your job and how you got to where you are?
While working in hospitality and retail, I worked as an extra and actor. Those skills helped me land an audition for my first media gig – writing and presenting for a video game TV show. This led to my career as a TV and radio presenter, journalist and editor, where I expanded my reporting from just games to include technology, social media, internet culture and science.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I love hiking. Spending every Sunday with friends, away from work and screens and social media. Just sitting on the country that I am working to protect through my work keeps me focused and grounded.
What are your long-term career goals? Where do you want to be in 5 years?
I find it difficult to set goals, because you never know where life will take you. I’ve always tried to be happy with where I am, while also taking on more opportunities to learn and grow and get better at what I do. My only goal is to make sure whatever I am doing is helpful and useful, and I am sharing my skills and knowledge to help others do what I do.
What advice do you have for girls interested in STEM?
Support each other. Cheer for each other. Surround yourself with people who support your goals. And never forget why you do what you do.
