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Jarryd swaps trade for marketing career
A former Mackay mine worker who quit his lucrative trade to pursue a passion for marketing will live his dream next month when he finishes a double degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Jarryd Townson is due to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business (Design and Marketing) in November, four years after his major life change.
And the 31-year-old is assured of work. He’ll continue as marketing coordinator for the National Country Music Muster near Gympie, an iconic event that attracts up to 30,000 people annually.
Jarryd has done the job part-time for two years while studying at the Sippy Downs campus. He was employed after volunteering in conjunction with a university project.
Delighted by his own experience, the Buderim resident encourages others contemplating a career change to attend USC’s annual Return to Study Evening from 6.30pm on Wednesday 21 October.
The evening outlines admission requirements, how applicants can improve their tertiary eligibility, and USC’s range of study programs and support services.
“I’d been out of school for 11 years when I decided to make the change from diesel mechanic despite the great wages,” he said. “I realised I’m a people person and trucks don’t talk back.”
Jarryd said he researched institutions on the internet from Mackay and applied to USC.
“I liked the look of the university and the size of its classes. I’d holidayed on the Coast before and didn’t want to go to a big city,” he said.
Shocked to be accepted, he “came in a bit blind”. He said the upcoming information session would be great to help potential mature-age students gain contacts and resources to ease their transition.
“I haven’t looked back,” he said. “Last year I mentored 10 fellow USC tourism and marketing students in between my own research on the music muster.
USC External Relations Manager Kylie Russell said the Return to Study Evening was a great opportunity for people wanting to achieve new career goals.
To book, call 5456 5000 or register online at <www.usc.edu.au/info>.
– Julie Gatehouse