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Graduate becomes AsiaLIFE's deputy editor
A University of the Sunshine Coast graduate working in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, recently became the deputy editor of AsiaLIFE magazine.
Beth Young, 24, of Palmwoods completed her Bachelor of Communication degree in 2008 and immediately headed overseas to travel through Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.
She found work as a kindergarten teacher in Vietnam before becoming a freelance journalist, then a sub-editor for the Saigon Times Daily.
Persistence paid off for Beth in achieving her new role at AsiaLIFE, which involves researching and writing articles, sub-editing and coordinating freelance writers.
“I began freelancing for AsiaLIFE about 18 months ago and kept pestering the magazine for full-time work,” she said. “At the time they didn’t have any positions available, but I hung in until they did.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for a young writer like myself. I doubt I would be the deputy editor of a glossy magazine in Australia at 24.
“I’m lucky because every day is different. As AsiaLIFE is one of the foremost English language magazines in the city, I get a lot of opportunities to meet and interview high-profile people.
“Most recently Greg Norman was here to open up a new golf course and I got an exclusive interview with him.”
The monthly English-language publication includes news and feature articles about contemporary Vietnam, as well as information and entertainment advice for residents and visitors to Ho Chi Minh City.
Beth said studying at USC had prepared her well for the work.
“At USC, I took advantage of all the internship and work experience opportunities and did as many placements as I could,” she said.
“I worked at the Weekender Magazine, The Sunshine Coast Daily and PlaceMakers Public Relations and Marketing and wrote articles for the Sippy Downs Times.
“The journalism internships especially taught me how to determine the best angle for an article, interviewing etiquette and writing skills, plus much more.
“It didn’t feel like I’d been flung into the deep end when I started at AsiaLIFE as I’d already had a chance to put all the theory I’d learnt at uni into practice before entering the workforce.”
Beth had majored in journalism and public relations to expand her career options. In her final year of study, she coordinated the planning and publicity for Operation Rescue, a new event to promote emergency services on the Sunshine Coast.
Unfortunately, the event was cancelled due to severe weather, but Beth’s efforts in organising it helped her to win the Chancellor’s Medal at USC’s 2009 Graduation Ceremony.
This medal is the highest award for USC students and recognises excellence in academic performance, as well as active involvement in the local community and participation in University activities.
— Terry Walsh