Graduate Opportunities

University attended: University of Southern Queensland (USQ).

Tasmond is a marketing officer with the USQ Student Management Division. His position began while still an undergraduate, and he was able to secure a permanent position upon graduation.

What are some of your responsibilities working in the higher education sector?

I am in the marketing department for USQ. My primary role is in Recruitment and Admissions with responsibilities for school liaison and marketing activities. Around 70 per cent of my role is involved with local high schools, performing speeches and attending expos. The rest of my role involves campaign management of specific faculties and strategic planning for the future.

Your position is not part of a formal graduate program. What attracted you to the role over a graduate position?

This role particularly interested me due to the duties I would be performing and the experience I could gain. There are so many business graduates each year that have to go into sales or store management due to the lack of specific marketing roles. This position allows me to use the skills I have learned over the past three years of study while gaining valuable experience which will benefit my career. Unlike formal graduate programs, in this position I get to make strategic decisions and have more challenges as I am not being formally trained.

Did being a mature age graduate influence your job hunting strategies?

I had been worried about being a mature age student and having the same degree as someone ten years younger. I decided that I needed an advantage, so I chose to volunteer my time with the university on projects for the business department. This proved to be the edge I needed to get the role I have now. I think being a mature age student you need to think of a way to get an advantage.

Have your previous job or extracurricular experiences provided you with any transferable skills?

I was a gym instructor for eight years before I started university. Being involved in sports taught me how to set goals and achieve them. During my time in the workforce I have had my fair share of setbacks which has given me the skills to overcome obstacles and accept challenges in the corporate world. The journey I have had since high school has given me many different life skills which does give me the edge over younger graduates.

What’s the best career advice you would offer to others?

Learning is the key to success, either through education or through pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. The day you stop learning is the day your career stops moving forward.