Snapchat: How winning a radio competition led Kirstie Stanway to her dream job

Kirstie Stanway. Photo / photosport.nz

My first job was ... doing a paper run as a child. My older sister actually got the job first and anything she did I had to follow, so naturally I got my own run. I remember Dad used to drive around the neighbourhood and drop the stacks of newspapers on different streets because they were too heavy to put on my bike. I never did it for the money at that age, but by the time I finished my bank account was looking quite flush for a 12-year-old.

It taught me … I don't know if it taught me any lessons. I was a very active kid so I just enjoyed getting out there on my bike. Getting paid for it was just a bonus.

My big break came … when I was lucky enough to win a music radio competition. I ended up working part-time in promotions for the station and then fell in love with the industry. Believe it or not, I won a second competition with a completely different station (yes, you could say I am very lucky) and was sent to El Salvador as the intern for their breakfast show. The opportunities haven't stopped since then.

The last job I quit was … my job as a sports reporter for Newshub less than six months ago. I left to start at Sky Sport full time. I loved my job at TV3, the people were amazing and I was given some incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Needless to say it was a very hard decision but I'm happy with the one I chose.

The most famous person I've ever met is … it is probably a three-horse race between Caroline Wozniacki, Steph Rice or Ian Thorpe. All three are global sporting stars and have reached success at the highest level in their chosen field. I was lucky enough to speak to them through different work situations and all of them were lovely. Special mention to Steph Rice. She went above and beyond, even wishing me happy birthday later that day on social media.

The best time I've had on set was … the Sky Super Rugby launch was pretty awesome. We had five All Blacks and five rookies in the studio, along with three former All Blacks. It was hectic but loads of fun.

But the worst was … nothing bad has happened to me on set yet, but the first time I read the sports news for Newshub at 6pm I was absolutely terrified. Yes you are reading an autocue, but even reading seems difficult when you are shaking from head to toe. That's probably the toughest thing I've experienced to date but I had the lovely Melissa Davies there to help and calm my nerves, somewhat.

My dream role would be … I count myself pretty lucky to be doing what I'm doing. Before I got my degree my goal was to work on the sports news for TV and then work on the rugby or rugby league coverage for Sky Sport. I didn't know if either was possible at the time, but now I am exactly where I wanted to be, well before I thought I would ever achieve it. I am still young so for now I just want to keep improving, nail what I'm doing it and enjoy it, because these opportunities don't come around every day.

Kirstie Stanway hosts Kick-off, Thursdays at 8.30pm on Sky Sport 1.