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.