The recent Caloundra Music Festival provided a wonderful opportunity for new USC graduate Shelby Jackman to fine-tune what she has learned from studying event management.

Shelby, 20, of Bald Hills played a key role in organising the 600 volunteers for the four-day festival, which began the same day she graduated with a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Tourism, Leisure and Events Management.

“My degree really taught me how important time management is, so the festival really put that into practice,” she said.

Shelby’s role as second-in-charge to the volunteer coordinator at the festival involved handling all questions from volunteers and orchestrating their activities from 28 September to 1 October to ensure they were all in the right place at the right time.

“I liked that I could really get involved and, being a people person, I enjoyed that I got to meet so many amazing people,” she said.

“I was constantly communicating with the volunteers and other workers and my degree really helped me understand what good communication is.”

Shelby hopes the experience could lead to a full-time position in event management, with a couple of opportunities already emerging.

The former Mary Mackillop College student said she chose to study at USC because it offered the opportunity to major in Events Management, and she enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and camaraderie with fellow students.

“Everyone is really friendly on the Sunshine Coast and willing to help each other out,” said Shelby, who made special mention of the academic support that was available to her.

For details about applying to study at USC, visit Learn.

- Gail Champion