Day in the life of Journalism student and Breakfast Television intern

Ayleen Karamat, a fourth-year Journalism student, intern at Breakfast Television and editor at multiple on-campus publications, is making strides in the industry. In addition to her fall internship as a digital media and production intern, she is also the senior editor at Her Campus TMU, managing editor at IQRA Magazine and a contributing writer at CanCulture. 

4:30 a.m: Wake up

Yes, you read that right. I wake up at 4:30 a.m. when I need to go in for my production week. It’s literally pitch black outside at this time, but nevertheless, I get ready by doing my hair and makeup and eat a quick breakfast before I leave. During this time, there sometimes is a quick Zoom meeting with the team before everyone gets to the Breakfast Television studio for the show.

5:20 a.m: Leave for work

I leave for work at this time. Since the TTC doesn’t start till 6:00 a.m., and I need to be at work a bit before 6, I usually end up walking. My work is located at Yonge-Dundas Square, that big CityTV building usually donned with billboards. Surprisingly there are lots of cars driving by outside at this time, so it’s relatively safe to walk outside. Thankfully the distance from my home to work isn’t too far, so walking early in the morning is pretty doable. 

5:45 a.m: Reach work

This is the best time to reach my work! I work at Breakfast Television as a Digital and Production Intern. The show goes live every day from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and I try to reach the studio a bit before the show starts, so I can say hi to everyone and get myself ready for the rest of the day. If it’s a packed day, or there is an event happening, I’ll be running around a bit more. I’ll find my advisor and get instructions and what to expect for the rest of the day.

6:00 a.m - 10:00 am: The show goes live! 

There isn’t a set schedule when you’re in for production. It really depends on what the day is like. I might be viewing from the sidelines in the studio or watching the control room do its thing. On other days I’ll be running around finding guests and getting them situated in the guest room. Every day is always a fun day and you can expect every show to be different from the rest!

10:00 a.m.: The show ends 

The show always ends at 10:00 am. Once it ends, I ask my advisor whether there is anything else I can do to help. I hate leaving the studio because it’s so fun to be there even early in the morning. I’ll chat with hosts, network, clean up and wait for the end of the show meeting.

12:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Campus time

Depending on what day it is, you will always find me on campus. I have classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, but if I’m in for production, I’ll usually stay on campus the whole day. I do this so I don’t go home because if I do, I always (accidentally) take a nap. 

I love being on campus! I think this is because we were online for so long, I missed spending time on campus. I also feel like I do my work better if I’m in an environment where I need to work, so I stay there most of the day. I’ll grab something to eat with friends, and then I’ll work on some school stuff. 

For work, I not only do stuff for school, but also for the places on campus I work for. I work as a Senior Editor for Her Campus TMU. I go over every finalized piece on WordPress, and send it over for a final review to the Editor-In-Chief before publishing. For IQRA, currently, our writers are finishing up their pitches. When they’re done, I’ll go into the first rounds of edits. We also have really exciting stuff planned for the magazine, so I just plan and schedule when these exciting things can happen!

6:00 p.m.: Time to go home

I love walking back home at this time. The weather is perfect, the sun is setting, and I just love the bustling city environment. I live near Queen Street, so I love seeing the nightlife slowly come to life.

I live with my dad (shoutout to my bestie and roommate), so I try picking up something we would like for dinner on the way. I also love cooking dinner! If I don’t feel too exhausted, I’ll grab some ingredients from a nearby grocery store and make something we both might like.

6:20 p.m.: Home!

I come home at this time (unless I get distracted by something cool happening downtown). I’ll eat dinner early, and then…

7:30 p.m.: Time for emails, work and more!

I try to finish most of my work when I’m on campus in the afternoon, but some assignments escape me. I’ll try to wrap up as much as I can at this time, send emails, and do some extra work for Her Campus and IQRA Magazine. I’ll also sneak a few episodes of TV shows I’m binge-watching (currently that’s The Walking Dead and Love is Blind).

8:30 p.m.: Get ready for the night

One thing about me is that I take my nightly routine very seriously. I will never skip over this step as I think it’s a ritual form of self-care I need after that long day. I shower, do my extensive skincare routine and do anything else like painting my nails and set my clothes for the morning.

9:30 p.m.: In bed and snoozing

In order to survive waking up early in the morning, you have to sleep early. I know, it’s literally Grandma timings, but I love being able to get in bed at this time even if I’m not falling asleep right away. I’ll scroll through my phone on TikTok or Instagram and make sure my alarms are set to wake up for the morning!

The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University 

The Creative School is a dynamic faculty at Toronto Metropolitan University making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Comprised of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.