Kangaroo Point resident Alexandra Martin has landed a creative role in the competitive news media industry after completing a degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Alexandra, who received a Bachelor of Journalism in a special ceremony at Sippy Downs on 1 October, is now working as a graphic designer for newspaper publisher APN Australian Regional Media in its Fortitude Valley office.

Her work involves adding impact to the news pages of APN’s many publications across Queensland and New South Wales.

“I work with page layout and images, as well as create graphics,” Alexandra said. “When you see a decorated masthead on the front page at Christmas or Easter, or a footy finals front page, that’s the work I do.”

“Getting to know my teaching staff well meant that when a job came up with APN on the Sunshine Coast, my name was recommended.

“I worked throughout the last six months of my degree, and when I graduated and decided to move to Brisbane, APN offered me a job in Fortitude Valley.

Alexandra moved to the Sunshine Coast from Sydney, and said the choice to study at USC had been extremely positive for both her university experience and career.

“Once I arrived, I never looked back,” she said. “Unlike the larger universities, where you are one of hundreds in your course, USC provides a smaller and more personal learning experience.

“The small class sizes, personal relationships with lecturers, and the Coast’s relaxing way of life made university life a great experience.

“Getting a foot in the door for work is one of the biggest hurdles that any student faces. For me, this happened easily and I have the staff at USC to thank.”

Applications are now open to start studying at USC in 2016, including at the USC Southbank campus.

For more information visit the USC website or contact Student Administration on 5430 2890 or email information@usc.edu.au.

— Gen Kennedy