A University of the Sunshine Coast graduate with a passion for tourism is helping to grow the conference and events market in her home city of Bundaberg.
 
Claire Habermann, 21, graduated this month from USC with a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Tourism, Leisure and Event Management.

The former Shalom College student is now working as a booking agent and events and marketing officer at Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism.

“I loved that my course at USC allowed for me to have an internship at the regional tourism organisation, Visit Sunshine Coast, to give me real work experience before completing my degree,” Claire said.

“Because of the internship I was able to start volunteering at Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism as soon as I finished my studies, and this has now led to a permanent position,” she said.

A key responsibility of her new role is to develop a business events package to increase the growing meeting and conference market in the Bundaberg region.

“My events package can help to guide conference organisers to develop a business event in Bundaberg,” Claire said.

“It will allow other stakeholders in the region to be engaged and this will help create beneficial partnerships.” 

Working in the tourism industry has been a major ambition for Claire, who grew up on a sugar cane farm in South Kolan.

“After studying tourism in Year 11 and 12 I knew that I wanted to work in the tourism industry,” she said. “I chose USC because the tourism degree it offers also includes event management.”

Claire said her study had provided her with the knowledge and skills she needed to be work-ready.

“Having teachers who have been in the industry helps to give a real insight into the everyday workings of tourism,” she said.

Image supplied by Silver Rose Photography.

— Clare McKay