Content
Business benefits from closer USC ties
dtb! Advertising is the latest business to reap the benefits of relocating to the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Innovation Centre.
The 18-year-old Coast advertising agency, with 15 staff, has moved to the Sippy Downs centre after nine years at Cotton Tree Esplanade.
Managing director Michael Molloy said that in addition to boosting his company’s business dealings, the collaboration with USC had resulted in three bright new employees, all fresh from their degrees.
“We saw how this knowledge-based precinct was progressing and wanted to be at the centre of it,” he said.
“There are so many advantages of being among similar types of businesses. It’s a motivational, inspiring environment and we can work together on bigger projects that may normally be out-of-reach of smaller firms.
“After only a month, we’re involved in joint pitches for clients from the Coast to Sydney.”
Mr Molloy said dtb! also aimed to enhance its relationship with the University.
“We’ve had USC interns in the past and now we’re situated close to the graduates just finishing their 2009 degrees.”
Innovation Centre Student Ambassador Sophie Barnard helped match potential USC students with the company’s three marketing vacancies.
“Sophie was better than a recruitment agency. The six we interviewed were impressive,” Mr Molloy said. “USC graduates generally live close by and show great enthusiasm, willingness and flexibility."
Lizzie Oakley, Natalie Ward and Jeremy Nicholl started work at the advertising agency in the past month.
Lizzie, of Mountain Creek, is a double award-winning USC student now continuing her studies with a Graduate Diploma in Public Relations.
In her third year of a Bachelor of Business (Tourism), she received the $500 RACQ Prize in Tourism for achieving the highest grade point average. She also received the Wicked Wolf Sport and Event Marketing Prize.
“I’m really excited to take on this Marketing Coordinator role because I’m applying exactly what I learnt in my studies,” Lizzie said.
Natalie and Jeremy have both just completed degrees in Business Marketing.
Innovation Centre CEO Colin Graham said there were now more than 30 businesses at the centre – mainly in Digital, Cleantech and Creative Industry sectors – employing more than 140 people. dtb! is located in the Business Accelerator aimed at more established businesses.
Mr Graham said the relocation of companies such as dtb! demonstrated confidence both in doing business from the Innovation Centre and tapping into the USC graduate talent.
– Julie Gatehouse