Students studying on the Sunshine Coast are being offered increased opportunities to get a head start in their careers as the evolving and expanding Sunshine Coast region presents an increasing number of work experience and internship opportunities across a wide variety of industries and businesses.
As the region continues to enjoy strong growth and prosperity, students are realising the real prospects on offer for them to get hands-on experience within their area of study without having to look outside of the Sunshine Coast for work placements and internships.
Vinita Theron, a student studying a Bachelor of Business at the University of the Sunshine Coast, is taking full advantage of the internship and work experience opportunities here on the Sunshine Coast with the hopes of gaining the understanding and knowledge needed to secure a postgraduate position.
“I have gained a lot of valuable industry knowledge and mentorship through my internship at one of the Sunshine Coast’s leading marketing agencies,” said Miss Theron.
“This is my chance to really set myself up for the future, so I am going to make the most of my internship and learn as much as I can.”
Miss Theron also commented on the value of the connections made through her internship which will prove invaluable when it comes to finding a post-graduate position within the competitive marketing industry.
“It’s been a privilege to get to know the lovely people I work with… It’s so great that I have been able to network and make some strong connections that I will be able to utilise in my future,” said Miss Theron.
The Sunshine Coast economy has doubled in size in the last decade, and is set to continue its growth over the next 20 years to reach A$33 billion in 2033, meaning that the opportunities available for Sunshine Coast students will only increase.
The Sunshine Coast is targeting seven high-value industries that offer the greatest potential for regional economy growth, including Health and Wellbeing, Education and Research, Knowledge Industries and Professional Services, Tourism Sport and Leisure, Aviation and Aerospace, Food and Agribusiness, and Clean Technologies.
The University of the Sunshine Coast is also contributing a multitude of jobs and opportunities through their involvement with Australia’s first major new hospital in more than 20 years currently under construction, the $1.8 billion Sunshine Coast University Hospital, which is due to open in early 2017.
Also in the pipeline is the development of the new Maroochydore CBD and Sunshine Coast Airport expansion which will help propel the region into the future as one of the largest regional business hubs in Australia.
Michael Molloy from Study Sunshine Coast outlined how the Sunshine Coast Council and Education Sunshine Coast initiative of Study Sunshine Coast aims to provide vibrant futures to all students on the Sunshine Coast.
“We hold the view that preparing students for the workforce through work experience or internships will provide them with the best opportunity to get their foot in the door and ensure the Sunshine Coast’s bright future,” said Mr Molloy.
“For employers it comes down to whether a graduate has, not only the academic knowledge, but also the practical experience to make a positive difference to their business.
Study Sunshine Coast praises all proactive businesses on the Sunshine Coast that recognise the importance or providing real world experience for these students who will shape the future of the region.”