A Murdoch graduate has told students that industry experience and a positive, proactive approach is key to securing employment directly after graduation.
School of Art alumnus Kate Mitchell said working with a real client during her studies - and showing initiative - is what led to her gaining a full time position at the Royal Life Saving Society of Western Australia (RLSSWA).
“Practical knowledge is a great foundation in preparation for professional working life,” said Kate, who holds a Bachelor of Digital Marketing, Media and Public Relations.
“Learning hands-on is how I learn best, which made client work the best way for me to develop my skills.”
Kate was able to put theory into practice during the Campaign Management unit of her degree, where Murdoch students work with not-for-profit organisations to develop a communications strategy that meets a need for each organisation.
After consultation with a representative from RLSSWA, Kate and her fellow Murdoch students present the communications plan to the organisation’s executive team, including CEO Peter Leaversuch and General Manager of Marketing Allan Godfrey.
“We were really impressed with the Murdoch team that worked on our campaign. They were very proactive, positive and job ready,” Godfrey said.
Being proactive was the key in Kate securing full time employment at RLSSWA.
Prior to the presentation, Kate learnt a marketing position was available so she handed in her resume on the day. It was only a few weeks later she started working at RLSSWA.
“Kate has been able to adapt and adjust to our organisational environment very quickly – she is already making a positive difference,” Godfrey added.
Kate said the skills acquired during the Campaign Management Unit at Murdoch are the ones used most in her position as a marketing officer at RLSSWA.
Dr Catherine Archer, from the School of Arts, said the unit helps not-for-profit organisations while simultaneously giving students some experience in developing a real campaign for real-life clients.
“The feedback from the unit is fantastic, as the students love getting the chance to put all their theory and learning into practice, working with a real client,” Dr Archer said.