Marketing Alumni Profiles
Bridget Slipper
Year graduated: 2008
Awards/Achievements:
University Merit Awards for gaining the highest marks in:
- Indigenous Tourism
- Planning and Development in Tourism and Hospitality
- Tourism and Hospitality Management
Invitation to join the Golden Key Honours Society
Won a scholarship to participate in a 3 week cultural exchange in South
Korea
Student Ambassador
Employer: Mars Petcare Australia
Sector of industry: Sales and Marketing
Job title: Area Sales Manager
How did you get your graduate position:
Careers Fair
Career Goal:
Senior Marketing Manager of a company
How do you plan to reach your career goal?:
Progress through the different sectors of sales and marketing, to gain a
full understanding of the industry.
Career tip for current Marketing students:
Attend careers fairs, read the graduate handbooks, and most importantly
read the emails sent by My Career Plan! It is also important to always have
an up-to-date resume which emphasises your skills and experiences.
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Brooke Modra
Year graduated: 2006
Awards/Achievements:
Two Merit Awards for High Achievement.
Took part in a forum to
discuss the future of the marketing program.
Employer: South Australian Tourism Commission
Sector of industry: Tourism
Job title: Destination Development Group Assistant
A day in the life of a Destination Development Group Assistant:
I am in constant contact with tourism operators and industry colleagues,
so you need to be able to work with a variety of people on a daily basis. I
do everything from collecting the mail to coordinating projects on the
Environment and offering support to a number of Managers and Executive
staff. Sometimes I do all of this in one day!!
How did you get your graduate position:
For my graduate position as the Barossa Regional Marketing Coordinator,
I applied through an advertisement, but I had a friend of a friend put in a
very nice word for me - contacts always help.
Employment pathway:
I have currently transferred from the Barossa into SATC's Head Office. I
was successful in an internal transfer for 8 months. I still, however had to
go through the recruitment process of applying for the position and
interviews etc.
Career Goal:
Regional Tourism Manager or Marketing Manager for a health organisation.
How do you plan to reach your career goal?:
Work as hard as I can, network as much as I can, and get exposure to as
many different aspects of the industry as possible. I plan to do this by
taking up every opportunity that I can.
Career tip for current Marketing students:
Get experience. Go out and find a company that will take you in to
undertake work experience for a few weeks or so - this will not only give
you industry experience, but will also create great networks. When applying
for jobs make sure you get someone to proof read your application, and you
need to really want the position you are applying for. Tell your interviewer
that nothing is too difficult. If you don't know the answers find someone
who does.
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Related Industry sector Link:
South Australian Tourism
Commission
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Chevonne Gourlay
Year graduated: 2006
Awards/Achievements: Student Ambassador
Additional activities whilst studying: PT/FT/Contract work and
volunteering with events such as Career Day and Marketing Student Awards
Employer: Robern Menz (Mfg) Pty Ltd
Sector of industry: Manufacturing/Confectionery
Job title: Sales & Marketing Officer
A day in the life of a Sales & Marketing Officer:
I work for a medium size company so my role is quite ranging. In a day I can
do everything from being out on the road and checking in on stores to ensure
our stock is positioned well, talking to customers and clients, taking
orders, dealing with feedback from our consumers, placing ads, organising
artwork for advertising and product packaging. I also look after sponsorship
and donations so I may be organising stock to go out to events, or for PR
such as product releases. I also deal with signage and flyers for
our outlets and trade shows. And yes, I also do what most people ask I get
to taste test!
How did you get your graduate position:
While completing my degree I worked several contract roles. I registered
with a couple of recruitment agencies as a temp. During your program you are
encouraged to take up work experience roles, however I decided I have the
skills and needed to work so this was the best option work experience you
get paid for! I worked in a range of roles in a range of companies. My
consultant knew I was studying Marketing so would aim for roles that had an
aspect of sales & marketing in them. This was great in many ways as it
helped my studies as I could draw from realistic situations and apply what I
was learning, it also obviously increased my skill level.
In my last temp role I was at Robern Menz in an administration role. While
it was not strictly a marketing role, they drew on my past experience and
skills in this area, and when I finished my degree (and still with a couple
of months left on my contract) Robern Menz created a role for me to continue
with the company.
Career Goal:
Not really sure there are so many different options
and path ways you can take! The program at UniSA gives you so many 'tastes'
of the different options, and then once you start working this either helps
you eliminate options or add to it!
How do you plan to reach your career goal?:
By working! Continuing to learn and keep up with what is happening within my
industry and networking. This will (hopefully) lead to opportunities that I
will want to pursue!
Career tip for current Marketing students:
Use every opportunity you can! Do your studies. There are countless
opportunities to learn extra skills and network. There are the obvious
networking events, but also opportunities arise from other students, your
lecturers, and tutors. These people work in the industries you want, they
have the experience and contacts use them!!! Don't be afraid to approach
anyone.
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Jessica Clifford
Year graduated: 2002
Awards/Achievements: Deans Merit List, Invitation to study honours,
Golden Key Honour Society
Additional activities whilst studying: PT work and netball coach
Employer: Police Credit Union
Sector of industry: Finance/Banking
Job title: Marketing Manager
A day in the life of a Marketing Manager:
No two days are the same! My day can include anything from writing a press
release, updating a section of the website, reviewing & evaluating current
strategies, creating sales reports, planning & writing the next direct mail
campaign, liaising with media and agencies re current promotions,
typesetting a brochure or designing new campaign material... and the list goes
on!
How did you get your graduate position:
I got my current job through an advertisement, my graduate position was
through contacts provided by the School of Marketing.
Employment pathway:
Through networking opportunities provided by the School of Marketing I
found Hillmark an Australian-owned manufacturer & distributor. I was employed
initially as the Marketing Co-ordinator. I progressed to Marketing Manager
quickly by having the opportunity to take on more responsibility &
demonstrate the skills that I had developed. I continued my employment with
Hillmark until 2006 & was fortunate enough to be exposed to all facets of
marketing advertising, PR, website, DM, re-branding, strategy.
In May 2006 I moved overseas until January 2007. When I came back I
decided to change industries. The Police Credit Unions ad caught my eye a
lot of what Id already done! I've progressed from Marketing and Brand
Coordinator to Marketing Manager, and now have the responsibility of running
the marketing department and overseeing our Marketing Officer, a new
addition to the team, who is also a Uni SA graduate!
Career Goal:
Marketing for Virgin or becoming a direct mail copy-writing
star!
How do you plan to reach your career goal?:
Keep my eye out for opportunities & walk through the doors that open for me!
Career tip for current Marketing students:
Don't be afraid to start off small, it can often lead to much bigger things.
Try & get into a fairly broad role to begin with & work out from there where
you'd like to specialise. While the theory of Uni is great you'll learn a
lot once you get to apply your skills in a practical setting!
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Jessica
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Related Industry sector Link:
Credit Union Services
Corporation (Aust) Ltd (CUSCAL)
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Joanna Child
Year graduated: 2006
Employer: TAFE SA
Sector of industry: Tertiary Education and Training
Job title: Lecturer and Event Program Coordinator
A day in the life of a Lecturer and Event Program Coordinator:
- Responding to student and industry enquiries via email and telephone
- Managing program area through discussions (formal and informal) with
colleagues
- Preparation and delivery of lectures and tutorials and classes
- Meeting with students to discuss their studies and helping them juggle
their study with work/family/social lives
- Meeting with tourism and event industry people to set up placement and
work experience, both formal and informal
- Attending tourism and event industry events and functions and meetings to
keep up to date with new ideas and best practice and make sure my teaching
is relevant
How did you get your graduate position:
I asked for it! I contacted TAFE Tourism department prior to arriving in
Australia (when here on holiday) to try and arrange some work while I was
studying and was asked to look after a particular subject. My work level
with them grew and grew and when I completed my studies they offered me a
job. I taught tourism and event subjects (my career area) and became the
Event Program Coordinator in 2006 which was a wonderful opportunity as it's
now the most popular choice of study in TAFE South Australia.
Employment pathway:
Tourism and Event career path including:
Tourism Manager for historic city (Winchester, UK) which included some event
management and lots of marketing
Marketing Manager for the south of England region (UK equivalent of the
SATC)
The marketing requirement of these jobs prompted me to seek formal
qualification in this area
My Marketing Masters also enabled me to teach 3 subjects (including
International Marketing) on the Bachelor of Business (Tourism Management)
offered by TAFE SA and take on the role of Acting Degree Coordinator
temporarily this year
Career Goal:
Most days - I'm already doing it
How do you plan to reach your career goal?:
This is an excellent role for me - now ... but as I didn't start out
thinking I would like to be a lecturer I realise that I may, in time, want
to do something different. So I look after my professional and career
development through attendance at courses and professional conferences.
I've had a number of career promotions, and sideways steps, in my life which
is common to many people. You can't always plan for the next job, as you
don’t necessarily know what it's going to be, but you can plan to accept all
opportunities to learn and experience new things, many of which will be
interesting and invaluable experience for the next job.
Career tip for current Marketing students:
Interpersonal skills are critical in all areas of work - but
particularly in marketing. If you're naturally shy or find meeting new
people difficult, you're not alone - but practice helps. Try and attend
functions or events and make every effort to introduce yourself to industry
people.
Make sure your work looks professional and is well presented.
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Related Industry sector Link:
Meetings and Events
Australia (MEA)
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Jude Lamb
Year graduated: 2003
Employer:
SA Lotteries
Sector of industry: Lotteries / Retail
Job title: Brand Manager
A day in the life of a Brand Manager:
Strategic planning to examine what people currently think of the
brand/product and what you would like them to think - if there is a gap
this needs to be fixed! This includes all meetings and briefing with senior
managers and the advertising agency.
Media planning ranging from print, web, TV, point of sale, ambient, outdoor
and radio.
Report on new product developments and investigate what other Lotteries
businesses are doing.
Manage relationships with advertising agencies, media partners etc.
Manage marketing budget.
Post Implementation Reporting - everything you do you must learn from, why
things worked and why things failed.
Public speaking, presentations and project meetings.
Updating work in progress (WIP) reports.
How did you get your graduate position:
The Marketing Project Program
Career pathway:
2003 Early 2004 Marketing consultant (Customer Relations)
Early 2004: Offered permanent position as Customer Relationships Development
Officer
Early 2005: Acting Manager Customer Relations
Late 2005: Manger- Customer Relationships / Easiplay Brand
Mid 2006 Current: Brand Manager- Keno
Career Goal:
Marketing manager of fashion brand or a luxury brand or an F1 team, or a
surf brand! I'm not fussy!
How do you plan to reach your career goal?:
Be the best I can be in my current work and hope the opportunities
present themselves in the future. I also plan to travel and work overseas in
2010.
Career tip for current Marketing students:
In a professional setting you are what you regularly do. So if you
work hard you will be seen as a hard worker, if you are creative, you will
be seen as creative. Make sure you project the type of person you want
others to think you are. That doesn't mean not being yourself or being
fake. Just be aware of your personal brand values.
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Kate Paneros
Year graduated: Will be in 2010
Awards/Achievements:
2006 University Merit Awards
2008 University Merit Awards
2007 Short Exchange to Hong Kong Polytechnic University
2008 Short Exchange to Pukyong National University (South Korea)
WPS (Work Placement Scheme) - 1 week with Promotional Marketing at Corporate
Express
Employer: Cocolat
Sector of industry: Retail/Cafe
Job title: Marketing Coordinator
A day in the life of a Marketing Coordinator:
My role as Marketing Coordinator at Cocolat was really varied because I
was the only marketing person in the company. The owner had lots of ideas
about what she wanted and it was my job to make these ideas a reality. I had
a long list of things we wanted to do and we would have to prioritise our
marketing activities based on our available resources, the urgency, and the
effect it would have on the business. Tasks like updating menus for the
cafes in line with current branding, designing new signage, planning
external events such as Food Festivals, developing new products and creating
suitable packaging and labelling were bigger projects that took a
considerable amount of time. There were also smaller daily tasks, things
like updating price lists and tags, keeping the website updated and visiting
wholesale customers that happened regularly and were equally important. I
was also lucky to meet with a mentor on a monthly basis to discuss the
progress of the business and see what I could do to contribute. We had plans
for a lot of our activities but there is also a lot you can't plan for -
opportunities arise and suddenly the day you had organised has changed and
you're working on something totally different!
How did you get your graduate position:
The position was advertised through UniSA via email to all Marketing
students. I applied with my resume and was successful in gaining the role
after two interviews. It was originally a part-time position but I was
offered a full time contract by the employer because I had additional
desirable skills they were looking for.
Employment pathway:
During my second year of study, I applied for a part-time Marketing
Assistant role which was advertised on Seek.com.au and worked for API
leisure&lifestyle, a Membership organisation for 12 months. As a smaller
company, I was involved in marketing all parts of the business, including a
Travel Agency and Insurance Agency. I then heard about a position at Elders
through a friend and submitted my resume. I was hired to work full-time as a
Marketing Coordinator for Elders Rural Bank and was there 6 months before
finding my current position with Cocolat.
Career Goal:
In addition to working and studying, I have been developing a small
business, Urban Safari, in the area of Marketing Communications. I undertook
some electives in my marketing degree to broaden my skills in design and web
development. I would ultimately like to run my business full time and have
clients around Australia and the world!
How do you plan to reach your career goal?:
I have started small and am gradually building my customer list in
Adelaide and Melbourne. I am studying the Euro BA next year in France so I
hope to find some European clients soon and just go from there! When I
finish my studies I will look to expand the business further. Networking is
really important for me - it's how I've found all my customers (and how
they've found me) so keeping in touch with industry contacts is really
important.
Career tip for current Marketing students:
Make the most of any opportunity you get, whether it's unpaid work
experience, networking events, practicums or visiting industry specialists.
You will never progress if you sit back and wait for opportunities to find
you so get out and start looking for them!
Related Industry sector Link:
Emerging Marketers is the young marketer's branch of the
Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) in
South Australia, geared towards marketing students, recent graduates and
emerging marketers. They run a lot of events and workshops and are a great
source of industry contacts. Join as a student member and you'll get
discounted tickets to events and seminars, or just join the Facebook group
to get all the inside information
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Related Industry sector Link:
South Australian Tourism
Commission
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Katherine Anderson
Year graduated: 2007
Awards/Achievements:
Practicum with Time Magazine in London
Study exchange to the Aarhus School of Business in Denmark
Top marketing graduate 2007
Awards for various market subjects
Chancellors & Dean's Merit lists
School of Marketing Scholarships
Student Ambassador
Employer: Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science at the
University of South Australia
Sector of industry: Marketing Research
Job title: Research Associate
A day in the life of a Research Associate:
My position is a mixture of academic research and industry based
research project, mostly for government clients. I've always got lots of
projects on the go, so I have to be very organised and know how to
prioritise.
I'm responsible for running industry-based research projects, and usually
have a couple on the go, so there is always something I need to do. It might
be meeting with a client to discuss what they need to find out, designing an
online survey, crunching some data or doing a presentation. I work mostly
with state and local government departments, helping them research the
opinions of the community. Most of my work is team-based and I really
benefit from working with senior project managers and managing newer staff.
I also do my 'academic' research into topics like 'If you are a marketing
manager, and you want to grow your brand, should you target young
consumers?' The research we do is really relevant and often quite
ground-breaking. I really love delving into a problem and working out how to
find the answer. So, if you have an inquisitive nature and love discovering
things, perhaps research is for you too.
How did you get your graduate position:
I was recruited straight out of the undergraduate program. The Institute
recruits bright students to assist on projects, so keep an eye out for
opportunities.
Career Goal:
I love would to do a stint as a consultant for one of the big name
management consulting companies like Boston Consulting or McKinsey, flying
all over the world to advise governments and business on how to be
innovative.
How do you plan to reach your career goal?:
Attaining my Masters degree, getting as much experience in project
management and client liaison as I can and of course building up my
networks.
Career tip for current Marketing students:
Look for opportunities to get experience while you are an undergraduate.
Apply for mentoring programs, consider volunteer positions or set up an
internship during the holidays. Start asking around to find out what
opportunities are out there. Look for experience in a range of different
roles - it will help you decide what area of marketing suits you best and
build up your networks.
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Related Industry sector Link:
The Australian Market and Social
Research Society
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Lidia Luchich
Year graduated: 2001
Employer: Austereo Pty Ltd
Sector of industry:
Media/Marketing/Advertising
Job title: Client Marketing Manager
A day in the life of a Client Marketing Manager:
Brainstorming ideas to answer client briefs – radio and online
Writing strategies and presenting proposals to clients
Researching various category information for clients
Trade marketing to clients on topical issues
Project manage client events
How did you get your graduate position:
Networking and lots of work experience.
Employment pathway:
1.
Mediaedgecia (formerly Young & Rubicam) started as a media assistant and
progressed to a Media Planner/Buyer.
2. Retail Marketing Manager for Westfield Marion.
3. Client Marketing Manager for Austereo (SAFM and Triple M).
Career Goal:
Marketing Manager for a multinational company such as Sony.
How do you plan to reach your career goal?:
Continue to learn new skills, keep up to date with the latest
marketing and media trends and aim for the top!
Career tip for current Marketing students:
Be prepared to do menial tasks and be patient as success doesn’t
happen overnight.
Work hard, always ask questions and be prepared to take on multiple jobs to
gain more experience and knowledge.
Don't get involved in office politics.
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Lidia
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Related Industry sector Link:
Austereo Pty Ltd
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Lisa Ceravolo
Year graduated: 2007
Employer: Police Credit Union
Sector of industry: Marketing
Job title: Marketing Officer
A day in the life of a Marketing Officer:
As the Marketing Officer at Police Credit Union, I am the third member of
the Product and Marketing Team. The team heads up the marketing for SA and
NT branches. I get to be involved with development and rolling out of
marketing campaigns which is undoubtedly the most exciting part! This
generally involves writing briefs, meeting with our Advertising Agencies,
discussing our objectives and finding a solution that is within our budget!!
I also manage the distribution of POS material to the branches, create and
maintain forms and brochures that are used in the branch, and I make some
changes to our websites content. Other tasks are constantly popping up
throughout the work day that I am always happy to help out with, if I can.
How did you get your graduate position:
The position was advertised through the university early 2008 - luckily
before my uni email became deactivated!
Employment pathway:
This is my first job since graduating!
Career Goal:
This is pretty close for now!
How do you plan to reach your career goal?:
I have always been a hard and honest worker, I am constantly willing to
learn new things and am always open to different opportunities - hopefully
that means that when I am confronted with an opportunity to reach my goal I
will be in a position take it!
Career tip for current Marketing students:
Finding your first step into this industry can be quite difficult. I would
recommend doing work experience in an area of marketing that most interests
you while you are still studying - giving you a bit of an edge over your
class mates when it comes time for job hunting - and it will help you to
find out exactly what drives you about marketing!
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Luke Tyler
Year graduated: 2006
Additional activities whilst studying:
Concierge at The Hyatt
Employer: d'Arenberg Pty Ltd
Sector of industry: Marketing and Communications
Job title: Marketing and Communications
A day in the life of a Marketing and Communications person at d'Arenberg:
I am responsible for the advertising, media communications and the
website for d'Arenberg Wines in McLaren Vale. My role has a lot of diversity
and includes sending wine samples to media, writing media releases about the
wines or major achievements, hosting VIP's and media at the winery and
conducting wine tastings. The advertising component of my role involves
assessing different advertising opportunities and working out which ones are
best for our target market and working with designers on the creative.
How did you get your graduate position:
I was working at the Hyatt throughout my degree and so I had some
experience in Marketing before I left University which certainly helped.
Career Goal:
To be a Marketing Manager at an innovative family owned winery.
How do you plan to reach your career goal?:
Continue to work hard and improve my skills.
Career tip for current Marketing students:
University gives you the basics, don't stop learning once you leave.
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Luke
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Related Industry sector Link:
Australian Marketing Institute (AMI)
Public Relations Institute of Australia
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Michael Aust
Year graduated: 2008
Awards/Achievements:
Invitation to study Honours
Golden Key Honour Society
2008 - Cultural Exchange Scholarship, Pukyong National University, South
Korea.
2007 - Marketing Project Program
2007 - University Merit Award
2006 - University Merit Award
2005 - Dulux Australia Award for Business to Business Marketing
Employer: University of South Australia
Sector of industry: Human Resources
Job title: Business Project Officer - Organisational Learning, Equity
& Development
A day in the life of a Business Project Officer:
As the position encompasses a variety of completely different roles, there
is no typical day. Some of the major projects I have worked on involve
working closely with Heads of School's, Associate Heads, Deans and Institute
Directors in reviewing and promoting current induction and staff development
opportunities, analysis and summary of results from the UniSA 2008 Staff
Survey, preparing UniSA's Employer of Choice for Women (EOWA) application,
identifying and providing training for new equity contacts, reviewing and
summarising UniSA's Professional Experience Program (PEP) against that of
all other Australian Universities, being on an interview panel for the David
Unaipon College of Indigenous Education and Research and coordinating
workshops on 'Working Effectively with the Media', 'CV Writing for
Academics' and a Research Administrators seminar. I also work closely with UniSA Directors and Managers, providing support for regular group meetings.
How did you get your graduate position:
I found the advertisement for this position on the UniSA 'My Career Plan'
website. A past tutor also emailed me with the details suggesting it was a
great opportunity to gain experience in a variety of business areas and that
it was the type of position I should pursue.
Career Goal:
To have extensive interaction with foreign stakeholders as a senior board
member of a multinational company.
How do you plan to reach your career goal?:
Through developing and maintaining healthy relationships based on mutual
trust and respect. By being proactive towards my own personal development
(be it further study, professional development courses etc) rather than
expecting things to happen. I'm also a big believer in the need to take
steps across in order to move upwards. I will continue to remain in constant
contact with as many of my existing networks and contacts as possible in
order to keep up to date, exchange ideas and learn from their experiences. I
have just started Korean language classes and have plans to start a Master
of International Business in 2009. Longer term, I hope to complete an MBA to
assist me to become more effective at business management.
Career tip for current Marketing students:
Make an effort to get to know and keep in touch with as many of your
classmates as possible. With Adelaide being a small place, it's likely that
in future, someone will be able to introduce you to or recommend you to
people who are looking for marketing graduates to fill positions within
their business. Likewise, international students often have extensive
overseas contacts and can keep you up to date with market conditions and
positions available in other countries. Attend networking seminars such as
Network Now in order to gain some insight from senior people within the
industry as to how the industry works and what they are looking for in
graduates. Maintain regular contact with these networks to remain up to date
with any industry developments and vacancies. The Marketing Project Program
is a great way to gain practical marketing experience in the third year of
your degree. The MPP is highly regarded by employers and makes you stand out
from other marketing graduates. Finding a mentor you can discuss your
questions and experiences with is also a great help when faced with
unfamiliar situations. Lastly, get your name out there as much as possible.
In the penultimate and final year of your degree start contacting those
companies that interest you, introduce yourself and ask about any graduate
programs or internships that they may offer.
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Sarah Symes
Year graduated: 2006
Awards/Achievements:
Dean's Merit List
Marketing Excellence Award
Golden Key International Honours Society
Chancellor's Merit List
Uni SA Merit Award
Bicycle SA volunteer / Marketing Work Experience
Part time hospitality work
Employer: Hyatt Regency Adelaide
Sector of industry: Hospitality
Job title: Marketing Analyst
A day in the life of a Marketing Analyst:
The hotel industry is so fast paced and dynamic that no two days in my
role are ever the same. My days tend to vary from analysing rates, occupancy
figures, and market trends, to examining the success of promotions and how
we are performing in different markets, through to deciding on which
advertising campaigns to run with and managing our online accounts. And of
course, quite a few meetings... but a great thing about marketing in a hotel
such as the Hyatt, is that these can easily be done over some great food and
wine!!
How did you get your graduate position:
I found my current position through an advertisement, although I found
my initial graduate role through the Graduate Opportunities site and by
researching online.
Employment pathway:
Whilst completing my degree I volunteered with Bicycle SA in order
to get some practical marketing experience. After graduating I initially
took a role with Coles Group Ltd in Melbourne as a Finance Graduate on their
graduate program. This role provided me with the opportunity to work in a
variety of areas within the finance sector of Coles Group, and allowed me to
build some great networks that eventually helped me to move into a role with
Coles Express as a Merchandise & Marketing Analyst. From there I was able to
gain a great deal of experience in merchandise and marketing within the
retail sector, which ultimately allowed me to successfully find my current
role with the Hyatt Regency Adelaide as a Marketing Analyst.
Career Goal:
My short term career goal is to work within marketing on an
international level, while my long term goal is to own my own business.
How do you plan to reach your career goal?:
By believing in myself, working hard, and not being afraid to take
risks.
Career tip for current Marketing students:
Network, network, network... I never realised until I started working in
the commercial sector just how important it is to build good networks.
Know what you want and go for it... you need to make things happen for
yourself!
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Related Industry sector Link:
Australian Marketing Institute
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Stephanie Calder
Year graduated: 2006
Awards/Achievements:
Winner of School of Marketing Award for Excellence in Marketing Management
Studies, awarded to the most outstanding student who has completed the
Bachelor of Management (Marketing) degree
Winner of Hills Industries Ltd. Award 2006
University of South Australia: Deans Merit List 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
University of South Australia: Chancellors Letters of Commendation 2004,
2005, 2006
Member of Golden Key International Honour Society
Employer: Kosmea Australia, an international natural skin care company
based in Adelaide.
Sector of industry: Marketing
Job title: Marketing Manager
A day in the life of a Marketing Manager:
Working with our advertising agency on a new campaign, product or
promotion
Coordinating media placement and purchase through our advertising agency
Implementing our online strategy and updating our website through the
content management system
Project managing the release of new products including packaging
selection, packaging design, pricing, POS material, promotions, advertising,
training materials for pharmacy staff, website updates, PR activities
Meeting with our R&D team to discuss new product development and future
direction
Liaising with printers to organise specifications and quotes for printing
POS, packaging and other materials
Liaising with our PR company in Sydney to finalise press releases, product
send-outs and organisation of press events
Strategy and campaign meeting to establish marketing direction for the
coming period
Working closely with our National Sales Manager and group buyers to
establish in-store promotions with key accounts including David Jones and
National Pharmacies
Coordinating packaging, often with overseas contacts in Asia
Assessing requests for sponsorship or donation and coordinating delivery
Working with Operations Department to ensure timely delivery of stock and
componentry
Coordinating photography shoots for new products or promotions
Undertaking market research and competitor analysis, including through
focus groups and generation of market research reports
Establishing pricing for new and existing products, for both domestic and
international markets
Coordinating design, copy writing and production of all POS items
including shelf units, brochures, posters, etc.
Communicate with export markets regarding new product launches, product
updates and new promotions
How did you get your graduate position:
The position was advertised, and after sending in my application and
attending two interviews I was offered the job.
Career Goal:
Marketing Manager, preferably for a company/organisation with
international markets.
How do you plan to reach your career goal?:
By embracing every opportunity and looking at each and every task as
great experience. My exposure to as many areas of business as possible has
helped me to see the big picture.
By establishing as many networks and contacts as possible, and developing
those relationships. One of the key things I have learnt is that business is
about who you know!
By being dedicated, determined and committing myself to learning new
things. Passion and enthusiasm can go a long way.
Career tip for current Marketing students:
Participate in as many events and programs as possible attend events,
take up work experience etc.
Think outside the square try and go that one step further than what is
expected or has been asked of you.
Networking - Having contacts is key! Meet as many people as possible and
work on developing relationships as you never know where they may lead.
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Related Industry sector Link:
Australian Marketing Institute (AMI)
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Tracey Cummings
Year graduated: 2008
Awards/Achievements:
Marketing Project Program for one semester
Chancellor's letter of commendation
Pass Peer Leader
Employer: Devine Homes
Sector of industry: Property Development
Job title: Marketing Coordinator
A day in the life of a Marketing Coordinator:
A large part of my role at Devine homes is liaising with contractors and
external consultants, so manage the contractors on a daily basis.
I assist in driving the marketing campaigns from start to finish, including
photography, copy, radio, press, brochures, and web marketing.
During campaign rollouts, I liaise with graphic designers on advertising and
marketing collateral, and Public relations consultants on possible media
releases to increase the brand awareness of Devine.
I also conduct monthly competitor analysis reports to determine our
competitors marketing messages and activities, in addition to conducting
regular marketing audits of Devine projects to monitor the presentation of
signage, sales offices, display villages and estates in general to ensure
the presentation has a positive impact on the brand and its values.
I also monitor Devine's media positioning in press and cross check spot
schedules.
How did you get your graduate position:
Networking with the SA General Manager at The UniSA
Network Now
Dinner in 2008.
Career Goal:
Director of Marketing Communications.
How do you plan to reach your career goal?:
Hard work, networking, continually refreshing my knowledge and skill
set.
Career tip for current Marketing students:
Network, talk to people, and learn how to market yourself to potential
employers.
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Tracey
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Australian Marketing Institute (AMI)
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Wil de Souza
Year graduated:
2007
Awards/Achievements:
Student Ambassador 2006 - 2008
Business Mate 2007
Employer: Tribal DDB
Sector of industry: Advertising
Job title: Account Executive
A day in the life of an Advertising Executive:
My role as an Account Executive involves creating estimates and
timelines to effectively manage new jobs, managing projects by liaising
between the client and creative department to achieve the best possible
outcome for the brand. Depending on the number of clients that you look
after, your workload can vary quite a bit and it is important to manage your
time well. Because of the nature of advertising there are often deadlines
which we need to meet - this means being prepared for a number of outcomes
that could affect your campaign from being launched successfully.
Being a digital agency, means we work primarily on creating websites,
eNewsletters/eDMs, banner advertisements, interactive mobile applications
and online branded games - basically utilising any technology or social
network to better position our brands.
It is important to manage the client's expectation by being proactive,
confident and keeping up regular communication by phone/email as this
assures them that their brand is in capable hands.
How did you get your graduate position:
I had applied for a direct marketing position within the agency but
after finding out I didn't have enough experience for that role I had learnt
that there was a another position opening up within Tribal. This was a great
opportunity as I had a real interest in digital marketing and applying for
this role was not a compromise since I had been waiting for the 'right' job
to come along. Before calling and sending my CV to one of the Account
Directors I did a bit of research on the company, looked at their clients
and previous work which gave me a good understanding of the company's
position.
Career Goal:
Even though I studied Human Resource Management I always imagined having
my own business as a Marketing consultant. After spending a year in a
digital agency I have become quite passionate about Advertising (online in
particular) and would like to one day have my own agency or become a
Managing Director for one of Tribal's multinational offices.
How do you plan to reach your career goal?:
Moving interstate last year was the first step for me as there was more
opportunity to choose a position which benefited my career and more
importantly I saw myself enjoying. Although the initial move was tough I
understood that doing it earlier on in my career would be beneficial in the
later stages.
I would like to spend some more time in Melbourne to allow me to get a
better understanding of the digital industry and move my way up the ladder
but ultimately I would like to travel and work in one of Tribal's offices
overseas to gain international experience whilst also allowing me to see the
world.
Career tip for current Marketing students:
I would suggest work experience or being proactive whilst studying as
employers love someone who has had experience in the workforce. I found it
difficult to do this but getting involved in extra curricular activities
whilst at Uni was something that employers were interested in and gave me an
advantage.
It is also important to be informed about what is going on in your
industry simply by reading the paper or searching online, it can be as easy
as discussing a new campaign that has just been launched or mentioning the
name of the new CEO who has just started with the company - to show that you
have an interest in the company you are applying with, not to mention your
career.
Current students post a question to Wil
Current students post a question to the Marketing Alumni Group
Related Industry sector Link:
Tribal DDB
The Advertising Federation of Australia
(AFA)
The Australian Direct Marketing Association
(ADMA)
B&T
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