A University of the Sunshine Coast graduate from North Lakes is now a weddings and events executive at a major Queensland resort, helping to create perfect ceremonies for brides and grooms to say ‘I do’.

Jacinta Blums, 22, is working at Novotel Twin Waters after recently graduating from USC with a Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Leisure and Event Management).

The former North Lakes State College student received her degree alongside 400 fellow graduands at a USC ceremony at Matthew Flinders Anglican College Performance Centre, Buderim last month.

Jacinta said she thrived on the challenge of coordinating every aspect of the weddings held at the resort, as well as organising major events such as national conferences.

“I liaise with couples and clients on a daily basis, draw up proposals, conduct site visits and complete a variety of work and procedures in the office,” she said.

“On a wedding day, we are in contact with the bride and groom in the morning, and from there we are busy ensuring that everything is ready to go, starting with ensuring the guests have arrived through to the reception.

“No wedding or event is ever the same. The most rewarding aspect of my job is that I get to be a part of and help organise what is the most important day for our brides and grooms.” 

Jacinta enrolled at USC after working in retail management and completing a personal training course after high school.

“I found the option of studying Business and Events and loved the idea of having a job that would be different and diverse every day,” she said.

“USC was an easy choice for me as it was a close option to where I live and was the only university offering the degree that I wanted.

“The environment and culture at USC was what made my degree – my tutors knew my name and I formed relationships throughout my degree rather than being just a number in a room.” 

To view USC’s four final graduation ceremonies for 2016, click here.

— Gen Kennedy