We thrive on taking risks and enjoy stepping outside our comfort zone.

We embrace ambiguity and fail fast to learn. We’re confident, brave and always back ourselves to deliver what we say we will.

WOMADelaide 2018, Botanic Park, Adelaide Image Credit: Grant Hancock

We never settle for simply scratching the surface. We’re hungry for knowledge, fresh ideas and innovations.

We’re innately curious at heart.

We ask the right questions to get the right outcomes and go the extra mile to deliver them.

Coober Pedy, Flinders Ranges & Outback Image Credit: Callum Jackson

We have a passion for excellence and exceeding expectations.

We all want South Australia to be the very best it can be and work with dedication, spirit and intensity to achieve our goals.

We care for those around us and actively energise and support one another.

Port Lincoln, Eyre Peninsula Image Credit: Jem Cresswell

We believe there’s nothing we can’t do as a team.

Relentlessly positive and always confident and resourceful in the face of challenges, we have bold aspirations and go after them with optimism, tenacity and purpose.

Port Noarlunga, Fleurieu Peninsula Image Credit: Luke Greaves

Name: Amy Hobbs

Qualification: Bachelor Degree in International Tourism from Flinders University

Year of Graduation: 2018

Activities while studying: I tried to be actively involved in any opportunity that arose to gain as much experience as possible, as well as to meet people in the tourism industry. I volunteered for several events, started working for Intercruises doing check-ins for cruise arrivals at the Port Adelaide Passenger Terminal and chose topics that would allow me to get out in the field. I took research studies around SA and in Cambodia and travelled to Kangaroo Island to partake in the cruise ship ‘Meet & Greet Program’ with the South Australian Tourism Commission. I still worked part time in aged-care and had time for my hobbies (as well as moving over to Canada on student exchange), but university is the perfect time to set yourself up for success. All these opportunities led me to where I am today.

Current position: Destination Development Group Assistant

Unit / Department: Destination Development

Length of time with the SATC: I have been working for the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) since May 2018.

A day in the life of: The fun aspect of my role is that every day brings something different. My main role is to provide administration and project support to the Destination Development team and the Executive Director, Destination Development. I coordinate all government communications including Parliamentary Briefing Notes and Estimates Briefing Notes, book regional and domestic travel for the team and any other admin support that the team needs. I also give project support to the team, which can differ every week to every month. I helped support and facilitate the World Routes 2019 development forum, and I work closely with the Manager, Product & Cruise Development on cruise related tasks. These include tracking the scheduled cruise ship arrivals and shore tour uptake for each ship as they come in to any of our four ports, work with contractors throughout the season to manage the ‘Meet & Greet Program’, assist with the booking and hosting of familiarisations, and assist with any other admin/project support that arises throughout the cruise season. No day is ever the same as the last, which keeps things exciting.

How position was won: I took my student placement at the South Australian Tourism Commission as I knew I was passionate about destination marketing and about the cruise sector. As I couldn’t quite decide, I did a split placement with both the Destination Development and Marketing teams. In my final few weeks of placement, a position was vacant for admin and project support in the Destination Development team. It was a mixture of good timing and hard work and determination while on my placement which allowed me to win the position that I am currently in. I ensured that I made the most of my placement and built relationships with both teams I was working with and the wider agency. It’s so important to work hard, build relationships and show initiative when you are on placement, as you never know what may arise from the opportunity.

Employment Pathway: Throughout my degree, I had volunteered with the SATC and worked in the cruise industry – which ultimately led me to want to undertake my student placement here at the SATC. My placement then led to employment, which was my goal.

Career Goal: As mentioned, my career goal was to work for the SATC – which I managed to achieve before even graduating. I would ideally love to work more closely in the development of the cruise industry here in South Australia, and possibly progress on a more national scale. The great thing about the SATC is there are always opportunities to grow and develop your skills and interests.

Plan to reach career goal: I will continue to work hard and build relationships in my current role. I love what I am currently doing and it has opened my eyes to the wider tourism industry, especially in the cruise sector. It’s also important to have an open mind to new opportunities and communicate with your manager about your future goals, and what personal development may assist with reaching these goals.

Career tips for current students:

• Make sure you arrange your placement with a company that will be worthwhile and is in the sector you hope to get into. You want as much hands-on experience as possible and you never know what opportunities may arise from your placement.
• Research your placement provider prior to meeting with them or starting. They will be very impressed if you have done your research!
• You want to make a good impression on placement – work as hard as you can and be open about your skills and passion. If you’re not sure about what area you want to get into, that’s okay too! Split placements are perfect for this as you can see different departments and how they work and you can then determine what suits you best.
• Build relationships – it’s so important to network and get your name and face out there. You may be referred for positions if they become vacant and suit your skill set!
• ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE.

Amy Hobbs

Name: Kiana Potter

Qualification: Bachelor of International Tourism

Year of Graduation: 2015

Activities while studying: While I was studying I worked multiple jobs in retail, hospitality and at a dance studio. My hobbies included travel, gym, dance and learning basic Spanish and Bahasa Indonesian. In the final year of my study, I undertook a student placement at the SATC. The placement was with the Destination Development and International Marketing teams working alongside the team co-ordinator.

Current position: Executive Assistant to the Executive Director of Marketing

Unit / Department: Marketing

Length of time with the SATC: Started in February 2015

A day in the life of: Each day is different. My main priority is to provide strategic support to the Executive Director of Marketing including managing his calendar, and all requests for government and parliamentary briefings for the marketing team. In addition, I work on projects that include the SATC merchandise designs and orders, corporate hospitality for SA events, releases for media partners, organising and booking domestic and international travel for the team, and organisation of regional familiarisation visits. I also have organised or assisted with a number of events and functions, including successfully organising the 2018 SATC ‘Rewards Wonder’ Campaign Launch event and have assisted other areas of SATC including the preparation of creative briefs for the 2018 Christmas Pageant.

How position was won: I built strong, positive working relationships in the SATC and from here I was recommended for the position internally then applied, was interviewed and was successful.

Employment Pathway: A requirement of my degree was to complete a student placement at a tourism provider. I applied for the SATC and was successful in receiving a placement in the Destination Development and International Marketing team. After a few months I was offered temp work in the Digital Development team, I then backfilled for the Destination Development and International Marketing Coordinator while she went on leave for 2 months, from here I worked for 10 months in the Executive Services team until I applied for and was successful in the role as Executive Assistant to the Executive Director of Marketing.

Career Goal: My original career goal in University was to work for the SATC. I am incredibly grateful to work here and continue to grow and develop in my career. I would like to move into a specialised field of marketing and/or partnerships and work at least a few years overseas to gain valuable experience in the tourism marketing space.

Plan to reach career goal: Be the best I can be in my current position, continue to development professionally, continue to grow my network, take on diverse projects, expand my skillset and then move into a marketing/partnership role at the SATC or move into the wine industry.

Career tip for current students: Be proactive in researching your placement providers, their goals and what you can learn from them. Work experience is vital and will really test what you know and is the best way for growth. Take every opportunity to network and expand you skillset.