UQ Business School students help with Myer’s autumn season launch

More than 20 UQ Event Management and Advertising students took up the offer of work experience at the recent Myer Autumn Season Launch fashion parades.

Public Relations and Events Manager for Myer Queensland, Cate Gazal, said the students’ contribution was invaluable in making the event so successful.

“The students were a credit to themselves and UQ Business School. They were enthusiastic in doing everything that was asked of them and added great value to the event,” she said.

“The opportunity to be engaged in the organisational process of such an event can also open doors for the students in terms of future work projects and a ‘foot in the door’ of an exciting career path.”

The students were just as enthusiastic about the opportunity.

Jasmine Foo is studying a dual Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Business Communication degree and agreed that working at such a high profile event gave great insight into what goes on backstage in the fashion industry.

“The hands-on experience and the fact that we were participating in so many aspects of the show was an eye-opener into the industry that I want to be involved in one day,” she said.

Jacqueline Moore, a Bachelor of Business student majoring in Event Management was enthusiastic about the experience as well.

“It definitely helps to give an insight into the real industry,” she said.

“Fashion events contain so much planning that is easily forgotten or hidden by the 'pretty dresses' and my eyes were opened to realise how many people were involved and the different types of preparation required for such an event.”

Dr Marie-Louise Fry, senior lecturer in Advertising and Public Relations, explained that from the School’s view such work experience opportunities are wonderful avenues for students to get exposure to industry while gaining a better understanding of the many facets of event management.

“They learn great practical skills in the areas of marketing, communication, time management, and organisational skills that they can take back to the classroom for implementation in other projects,” she said.

Media: Cathy Stacey (07 3365 6179, 0434 074 372) or Fiona Sutton (07 3365 6748, 0423 637 699 or email media@business.uq.edu.au).