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.