Wild start to working life for USC graduate
University of the Sunshine Coast Communications graduate Sarah McAtamney never expected such a “wild” start to her career.
Sarah, 22, gained work as a communications assistant at Australia Zoo shortly after graduating from USC in May and has enjoyed being part of the zoo’s energetic marketing team.
She said her job at the Coast tourism mecca – made famous by Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin – provided plenty of excitement in liaising with the media, writing media releases and developing story ideas about the zoo.
But for Sarah, being able to see the zoo’s animals on a daily basis makes her working week all that more special.
“I get to walk past crocodiles on my way to the office and I see tigers and elephants in my workplace,” she said.
“My job is fun, diverse, creative and one that requires good writing skills.
“My favourite part is working with the team from the television show Totally Wild. I help come up with stories for them and spend the day with them while they film at the zoo.
“It’s my job to make sure they interview the right people and film where they should.”
Sarah said she was now using many of the skills she learnt at USC and from various work experience opportunities she had while at university.
“I did work experience at WIN, an internship at Seven Local News and then at the Sunshine Coast Daily,” she said. “And these were experiences which have helped me greatly in my current position.”
— Katrina Scott