Meet our Alumni
Celia Lucas
Then... Diploma of Event Management
Now... Event and Marketing Coordinator, Sherrin Group
What are you currently doing?
My role involves coordinating corporate social events, internal events and my biggest task is the annual Sherrin Riverfire Charity Gala Dinner. I am also in the process of starting to run my own events on the side.
Do you use skills that you obtained at Martin College?
Definitely, even the basic business communication class where I learnt how to write business documents in the correct format has been a huge help – it’s something you really notice when receiving an email/fax/letter that is badly written and looks unprofessional. Work experience was a great help in understanding how things are run and probably the most rewarding part of the course.
Did Martin College prepare you for the workforce?
Parts of my course that I thought weren’t relevant to what I wanted to do have turned out to be really helpful. Because of the subjects I took that involved human resources and staff management, I now assist with recruitment for the company that I work for.
What are your plans for the future?
At the moment, I’m going to continue working for Sherrin Group as I think I can learn a lot in the position, but I would eventually like to move into events that involve music and film. Gaining experience and building a network strong enough to start my own company.
Events Management courses >
Yvonne Hoppe
Then... Diploma of Graphic Design (Advertising and Multimedia)
Now... Graphic Designer
Yvonne visited the Brisbane campus to talk about her time with Martin College and how she uses the skills she learnt in her career. She credits Martin College on its learning units in Web Design, Advertising and Professional Practice with building her portfolio.
Yvonne graduated from Martin College Brisbane in 2007 with a Diploma of Graphic Design (Advertising and Multimedia). She is now employed as a Graphic Designer for Bamboo Creative, a prestigious Brisbane based creative agency.
Her current role involves meeting with clients, creating briefs, writing proposals and working on the actual design and advertising. Yvonne believes that "to be successful in industry you need to stay true to yourself and don't approach the industry with a big ego… It’s all about having a passion for your craft and if you’re not passionate then you can't be creative".
She continued “never stop learning and always keep up to date with current products, services and software, network where ever you can", as she credits this to part of her success. word of mouth is how she secured freelance work while studying at Martin College and it led to her full time employment after graduation.
Students thoroughly enjoyed the session and asked lots of questions - a great testimonial to a program and product that works!
Graphic Design courses >
Vanessa Brown
Then... Certificate III in Tourism Retail Sales
Now... Business Travel Consultant
Current Position: Business Travel Consultant with HRG Hodge Robinson Group
The role involves arranging business travel for corporate and government companies. I am responsible for booking flights, hotels, accommodation and car rentals.
I heard about this role through Martin College’s job portal and my teacher, Elizabeth Pacey recommended me for the role. I then had to go to an interview and found out on the same day that I had the job. I then received my contract and it all happened so fast - I can’t believe it.
Reason for choosing Martin College:
The College has a good reputation amongst employers, I know this to be true because it was recommended through family friends who already knew of Martin College.
Most enjoyable feature of studying at Martin College:
People and the teachers, brilliant atmosphere and the support. The teachers really inspire you to come in every day help you to strive to do your best. Galileo training and cultural awareness were my favourite subjects, I loved getting to know about my class mates cultures and backgrounds.
What would you say about your experience at Martin College?
It was an inspiring, rewarding, once in a life time chance for me to get my dream job. It really helps you strive for a better career and future
How would you say Martin College has helped your career?
By giving me the tools and the confidence to go into the working world prepared for real life experiences, and the ongoing support even after leaving Martin College is great. I have access to the job portal which is great and I am a member of the student alumni.
The teachers are not just teachers, they are friends too. You can talk to them about anything, professionally and personally. I will never forget my time at Martin College, it has been great.
Tourism courses >
Mia Ignjatic
Then… Diploma of Information Technology (Systems Administration)
Now... Provisional Support Engineer, Erickson Australia Pty Ltd.
Mia Ignjatic wanted to develop her interest in IT and a career in something she enjoyed doing, so she chose to complete a Diploma of Information Technology (Systems Administration) at Martin College.
What are you doing now?
I am currently working for Ericsson Australia Pty Ltd. My position is ‘Provisioning Support Engineer’. We look after all 3G numbers in which we assist in any problems our customers may have with any of their services, sim cards and handsets. We also monitor and implement fixes for the network. I couldn’t have asked for a better employer.
What were the best aspects of Martin College?
I enjoyed the overall atmosphere, it was a very pleasant place to be in everyday. The lecturers were very helpful and always approachable. They helped me very much, and led me to where I am today. The new friends I made and, of course, the subjects that I studied were also great.
Do you use skills obtained at Martin College in the workforce?
Every subject I studied at Martin College is somehow incorporated into something that I do at work. Before my diploma, I knew very little about Java and scripting but because of what I learned at Martin College I am able to confidently use Java and scripting which is important in this job. We also deal with a lot of operating systems, especially UNIX, and I learned a lot about this at Martin College. I specifically remember my ‘IT Workplace Skills’ and ‘Client/Team Relations’ subjects because they went into every possible detail about how to prepare yourself to deal with problems. It also gave us scenarios to think about then resolve, and problem solving techniques to help.
IT courses >
