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Graduate lands island paradise job
A 29-year-old former Noosa boy who changed his life by studying business at University instead of becoming a baker has been promoted to his dream job, heading a team of 22 at a luxury resort on the island of Bali.
Andrew Fairbairn, who graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2001 with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing), is the new Director of Sales and Marketing at The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Nusa Dua Bali.
“I jumped at the chance in September to be part of the executive management of this exceptional five-star resort – I’m living and working in paradise,” Andrew said.
The role, a promotion within Starwood Hotels & Resorts, follows his past three years as director of sales for the three Sheraton & Westin Resorts in Fiji.
“I successfully completed executive level training with Starwood’s Pacific High Potential Program 2008,” said Andrew, who started his marketing and business development career at Tourism Noosa and Sheraton Noosa Resort and Spa.
“I want to lead by example, so I’ve been working closely with my team of sales and marketing ambassadors and focusing on leisure sales, events, marketing communications and reservations/revenue.
“Each day is different. This week I’ve been on the road in Bali, meeting top agents to prepare for our peak season. Last week I was approving everything from promotional posters to in-room toilet paper holders!”
Andrew recalled how he almost left Good Shepherd Lutheran College after Year 10 to become a baker – until his father took him to an information session at the fledgling USC campus.
“I changed my plans and continued Years 11 and 12, fully focused on entry to USC,” he said.
“I then moved into The Village (student accommodation at Sippy Downs) to maximise my studies – and look what it’s helped me achieve.”
Andrew said he had drawn on his university skills and knowledge at many stages of his career.
“The biggest advantage my USC qualification has given me is the drive and confidence to excel,” he said.
“It wasn’t so much about learning how to write a thesis as how to focus on the real world, such as effectively communicating with business leaders.”
His advice to fellow graduates includes: “Get out and do voluntary work experience – that’s the best way to get your foot in the door. Choose a field that you want to specialise in – that passion will separate you from others. And network. The more people you know, the more opportunities you’ll have in the future.”
– Julie Gatehouse