Siblings Andrew and Katelin Shipp of Whiteside are shaping up to launch their own online business after graduating together with Bachelors of Nutrition from the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Andrew, 23, and Katelin, 21, share a strong interest in combining fitness and nutrition to improve health, and are about to begin Certificates in Fitness to boost the knowledge and skills gained from studying at USC.

“We are passionate about starting an online business this year that offers people specific nutrition and exercise plans to help them achieve fitness or health goals,” Katelin said.

“Both of us studied Nutrition at USC to understand the impacts that diet and exercise have on the two health disorders that we live with (psoriasis and chronic fatigue respectively).

“Over the course of our USC degrees, we successfully implemented nutrition and exercise strategies to help suppress our symptoms, and we want to help others who are looking to nutrition and exercise as a means of aid.” 

Andrew, a Padua College graduate, and Katelin, who went to Mount Alvernia College, crossed the stage one after the other to receive their degrees at a USC graduation ceremony in April.

“We chose to study at USC because it was known for providing a high-quality education, especially in the nutrition field,” Andrew said. “The relaxed atmosphere outside the classroom made it an easy place to study and learn.

“Studying at USC has taught us time management, initiative and responsibility which are all traits that are essential in performing well in any type of work environment.

“Our motivation to start our own business stemmed from endless encouragement from USC staff, students and alumni.”

The siblings believe their experience as retail assistants and in helping their mother with her online business, plus offering a service that is not readily found online, will all help when they launch their business.

Applications are now open for mid-year entry to study at USC, starting Semester 2 on 24 July. Details on how to apply for more than 90 undergraduate and postgraduate programs can be found at the USC website.

— Terry Walsh