Careers

Name: Lachlan Swan

Qualifications: Advanced Diploma of Tourism

Year of Graduation:  1999

Awards / Achievements during study: Graduate Scholarship to Adventure Centre, California, USA

Activities while studying: Worked casually at both Football Park Convention Centre (hospitality), and also Kmart (retail).

Current Position: Social Media & Content Producer, International

Unit / Department: Social Media & Content / Marketing

Length of time with SATC:  Started in January 2002

A day in the life of: No two days are the same. I spend a good portion of my day (and night) engaging with photographic contributors capturing their SA travels on social channels - and finding those golden nuggets to help us visually represent our state online. I also write and post content on our @southaustralia Instagram and international Facebook accounts, provide strategic social media direction for our overseas offices, implement paid social media advertising, liaise with digital influencers, and analyse and report on our results.

How position was won: After many years in international marketing roles at SATC, I noticed social media’s massive potential, and put a lot of extra time into getting to know that space as a user. In doing so, I formed strong networks with key travel influencers, who in turn shared their in-depth knowledge and expertise. I also attended as many seminars as I could on the topic to learn how to apply it from a marketing perspective. I then combined this new experience with my international marketing background to step into my current role when the Social Media & Content team formed in 2016.

Employment pathway: I studied an Advanced Diploma of Tourism at Adelaide TAFE before undertaking a Graduate Scholarship, working in the USA from 2000-2001, at Adventure Center – a San Francisco-based travel wholesaler. I returned with solid knowledge of the international travel distribution system, which helped me land a post-graduate position as International Marketing Assistant at SATC. After 13 years in various SATC international marketing roles - I combined my prior expertise with my social media knowledge to move into that space, full time.

Career goal: Being happy. If I didn't love what I do, I wouldn't do it. I knew back in school that I'd love to represent my state at something - and now I’m lucky enough do it every day.

Plan to reach career goal: Keep my eyes firmly on the long-term horizon, and never stop learning! Keeping my skill set up to date with the pace of change will hopefully hold me in good stead.

Career tip for current students: Think long term! Never scoff at the idea of starting at bottom of the ladder. It gives you the very best opportunity to learn your trade from the ground up - and helps to build great industry knowledge and networks which will assist at all checkpoints in your career. If you're committed to the long haul, you'll develop skills and relationships that will end up being pivotal to success later on. 

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.