Meet Our Graduates
Candice Buchan
Diploma of Events
Reason for choosing Martin College?
I chose to study at Martin College because it offers a great Event Management course. It was an easy choice for me as I could complete the course in less than a year. The campus is centrally located and close to the city where I love to shop.
Most enjoyable feature of studying at Martin College?
Having the opportunity to volunteer for 2 weeks with the Rosemount Australia Sydney Fashion Festival. A selection of the best designers from Australia and the Asia Pacific presented their collections to some of the world’s most significant members of the fashion industry. Fashion Week is an exclusive industry-only event, made accessible to registered buyers, agents, media, stylists and other fashion industry representatives.
Working with names such as Alex Perry, Zimmerman, Lisa Ho, Camilla & Marc & Finetti was an absolute buzz. I personally got to dress some of the top models in the industry such as Jennifer Hawkins and Kris Smith. I worked behind the scenes to organise the model looks, and I also helped to coordinate the running order of the catwalk. The whole experience was just surreal and amazing.
What would you say about your experience at Martin College?
This course has opened my eyes to new experiences and what I can achieve as an individual. In the first two weeks people had doubts and thought I would drop out… look at me now. My teacher Deborah Lemberg has really inspired me to be the best I can in this industry.
How would you say Martin College has helped your career?
I have been given this incredible opportunity to make contacts in the industry. It has also affirmed for me that this is what I want to do with my career. Fashion Events are so exciting and I will do what it takes to get there. I really appreciated having the assistance to have a second set of eyes go over my CV - it now stands out from the crowd. The work experience I gained and my Diploma qualification will both be great assets for me.
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 >
David Matthews
Then... Diploma of Business, majoring in Event Management
Now... Event Coordinator, Australia Zoo
Tell us about your current employer?
Crikey, my employer is a world renowned zoo made famous by the world famous Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. There are over 600 staff at the zoo and it’s rapidly increasing every single day. I coordinate every event at the Australia Zoo which covers 15 monthly events during the year including 3 major events.
How did Martin College prepare you for the workforce?
Martin College gave me a good understanding of the professionalism that is required in the workforce. This includes understanding how to create and prepare presentations through to workplace relations. However, it is essential that you also make your own efforts outside of study to develop your own way of organization and preparation. It is also essential that you understand and research the different strands of industry you are going into to give you a smooth transition into the workplace
What are your plans for the future?
I want to be the round peg in a square hole; I want to see things differently; I want to be quotable; I want to push the human race forward; I want to be seen as crazy and lastly I want to be crazy enough to change the world.
Stephanie Richardson
Then... Diploma of Event Management
Now... Event Manager & Support Officer, ACPET
Stephanie Richardson completed High School at Stanthorpe State High School in Queensland. To give her the skills and qualification she needed to start in her chosen field of event management she completed a Diploma of Business with a major in Events Management at Martin College.
What are you currently doing now after you have graduated Martin College?
I am working at the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET) organising their events.
Do you use skills obtained at Martin College in the workforce?
Yes, Martin College helped me fast-track into a career and develop business skills. I also gained a lot of confidence in using the computer in the work place.
The event subjects were great in giving me the skills I need to organise different types of events, including conference programs. Also through applied business communication I learnt to understand the importance of correct English, grammar in report writing.
What are your plans for the future?
My plan for the future is to always aim high and achieve the best I can. I plan to one day work for myself and build a strong reputation within the events industry.
Marcus Lindgren
Diploma of Events
Reason for choosing Martin College?
Because they have an Event-specific course which really attracted me, and also because it is in Sydney! I really love this place.
Most enjoyable feature of studying at Martin College?
Having the opportunity to work in Events. I especially enjoyed the opportunity I had to work with the Talent Manager of the ‘10 Year Anniversary for the Olympics’. It was like the icing on the cake for my course – it made it all worth it. I had the chance to work with some great names such as Cathy Freeman, Ian Thorpe, Grant Hackett, Marcia Hines, Nicky Webster, The Premier of New South Wales Kristina Keneally, the Lord Mayor, and many more.
It was a thrilling highlight for me. It complimented my studies allowed me to use the skills I learned in the real world. I revelled in the contribution I made to the event.
What would you say about your experience at Martin College?
It has made me realise how the industry works and what it takes to become part of it, also made me realise how much I want to be a part of this industry!
How would you say Martin College has helped your career?
My teachers have really helped me to understand how the real events industry works. When I graduate I want to get into the area of large-scale events management. I look forward to the future and continuing my studies with Martin College.
Tracy Holmstrand
Diploma of Events
Nationality: Australian
Course: Diploma of Events
Campus: Sydney Darlinghurst
Reason for choosing Martin College?
The duration of the course was shorter than other institutions.
Most enjoyable feature of studying at Martin College?
Through Martin College I was given the opportunity to complete an Internship at the Cancer Council NSW. It is a large organisation with a dynamic team, and I am very appreciative of the insights and experience I gained during my time there. Not many people would get this chance.
I have also enjoyed the external excursions that our teachers organised for us to meet with people from the industry such as venue managers, event organisers, etc.
I am excited about being a Team Leader at some upcoming major flagship events I have volunteered for such as Daffodil Day and the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival; both of which are run by the Cancer Council.
What would you say about your experience at Martin College?
It has been life changing for me.
How would you say Martin College has helped your career?
The experience I gained at the Cancer Council has put me a step above most people at my level. This was an opportunity that came to my attention through the Martin College Job Portal and I was thrilled to be awarded the role. I was also pleased that I was able to work my Internship around my timetable.
I believe that employers are more willing to hire people who have worked as volunteers, because it shows that you’ve put in the time, hard work and effort to gain experience. I think this makes you more employable because it means you can contribute more to the business.
The raw insight into the industry that has been delivered by my teacher Deborah has prepared us for what to expect in the "real world". It’s not all glitz and glamour, but I have certainly had my passion ignited to begin a successful career in this industry. Thanks Martin College.
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 >
Ydonna Santos
Then... Diploma of Business majoring in Travel and Tourism
Now... Graduate Management Trainee, Accor Hotels
What aspects of Martin College did you enjoy?
I enjoyed meeting people from different nationalities, the small classes allowed us to connect more, teachers gave us more attention and we learnt everything in a practical way.
What are you currently doing?
I’m a Graduate Management Trainee (GMT) for Accor hotels, currently working for the Mercure Sydney Airport. I’ve been working as Restaurant Supervisor and have the chance to go into different departments such as finance and front office to learn how things run in the hotel industry.
Do you use the skills that you obtained at Martin College?
Yes, hospitality is customer based, so customer service is widely used as well as managing people like the employees and corporate clients. Reports, procedures, computer based subjects, all business communication were also useful skills learnt through Martin College.
Did Martin College prepare you for the workforce?
Yes, the teachers at Martin College stuck to the practical side of the work environment cutting out all the tedious bits that we don’t really use, making it easier to learn what the workforce is about. The teachers taught as if they were the same level of person as myself, which is exactly how it is in the workplace. They also encouraged us to take on extra classes like building resumes and interviews, which has really helped.
Tell us about your current employer?
After Martin College I started in Accor’s* Central Reservation Services (ARS). Management then encouraged me to apply for the GMT program as I had already progressed through most of the job opportunities at ARS. Over 200 people were interviewed for that GMT and only 6 got into the NSW program.
The employees at Mercure Sydney Airport have been guiding me through my career and are always there for help and support. Because I work in the restaurant I get trained in making coffee, mixing drinks and in all management skills in relating to hotels. Accor has a lot of sponsors so I get many discounts on theatre shows, movie tickets, restaurants, events, cruises and, of course, accommodation.
