Meet our Graduates
Andrew Martin
Then... Diploma of Information Technology (Systems Administration)
Now... IT Recruitment, EDS Australia
I commenced studying a Diploma of Information Technology (Systems Administration) from Martin College during 2003. After successfully completing the course I had options available, I could seek either employment or further education.
I started looking for work within the IT industry but actually had an opportunity arise within IT Recruitment. My IT recruitment career blossomed as I had all of the technical knowledge from my studies at Martin College to talk the talk. That complemented my personal skills, which meant I was also able to walk the walk!
I have now been in the IT Recruitment industry for 5 years, and am currently employed with EDS Australia (international IT outsourcing company) working within the recruitment team sourcing potential IT candidates.
My career, experience, and skills is something I can easily trace back to my studies at Martin College, and am thankful I had that experience as it opened up many opportunities 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.
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.
Ashleigh North
Then... Advanced Diploma of Business Management
Now... Bachelor of Business, majoring in HR Mgmt and Marketing at QUT. Working part-time in the QLD Dept of Public Prosecution.
I studied the Advanced Diploma of Business Management at Martin College, which was perfect preparation for my career.
I have met wonderful people throughout my Martin College journey, from other students and teachers to very helpful student services staff.
I successfully gained one year’s full credit into the Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resource Management and Marketing at Queensland University of Technology.
I am also working part time in the Department of Public Prosecution where everyday I utilize the skills I gained at Martin College.
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.
Mia Ignatic
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.
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.
