A Brisbane-based University of the Sunshine Coast student has left her competition for dead and glided easily into a spooky new career, even before finishing her degree.

Lucy Delaforce, 21, of Boondall, is part of the first cohort of students to complete a Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Leisure and Event Management) at USC's SouthBank campus in Brisbane, and has already gained employment with Ghost Tours Pty Ltd based at the Boggo Road Gaol.

“I had completed an assignment on the Ghost Tours group previously and, in my final semester, I was fortunate enough to work with them again,” Miss Delaforce said.

“During this time, one of my lecturers suggested I apply for a job they’d advertised and was lucky enough to take up the position with them in May.”

After a gap year following her graduation from Brisbane’s Clayfield College, Miss Delaforce completed a Diploma of Events through TAFE Queensland.

This enabled her to go straight into the second year of the Bachelor of Business degree at USC SouthBank.

“If I didn’t choose to do this particular degree through USC I wouldn’t have secured this job,” she said.

“Having a tourism qualification was what the director of the company loved about my resume because it showed that I have a passion for the industry.”

USC Business academic Dr Vikki Schaffer said success stories like Miss Delaforce’s were a good indication that the program was delivering quality graduates.

“I’m incredibly proud that we are offering School of Business courses and the full Tourism, Leisure and Event Management program at the USC SouthBank campus,” she said.

“Being based in the middle of Brisbane’s tourism precinct is such a valuable opportunity and helps to further prepare students to become our future tourism professionals who are making a real contribution to the industry.

“In a short amount of time we’ve been able to solidify great relationships with businesses who are directly involved with the courses and who then offer internships and, in turn, paid positions.”

USC offers pathways from TAFE Diplomas in to several USC degree programs, with the second and third years delivered at the USC SouthBank campus enabled through collaboration with TAFE Queensland Brisbane.

— Megan Woodward