Careers Day highlights tourism trends and jobs

More than 300 university tourism and hospitality students will get an insight into the latest industry trends and job prospects at the annual Southern Cross University and Griffith University Careers Day in Southport on April 14.

The Careers Day will include guest speakers Robyn Henderson, a global networking specialist, and Jennifer Hutchinson, chair of the Australian Regional Tourism Network (ARTN).

Joanne Cooper, internship officer with Southern Cross University's School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, said the annual Careers Day provided a wonderful opportunity for students to meet with representatives from key organisations in the tourism, hospitality, events, sport, leisure and real estate sectors and hear about employment opportunities.

"Another important component of the day is the panel presentations. These involve industry representatives and allow students the opportunity to gain information in a structured question and answer forum," Ms Cooper said.

The first of two panel presentations will be 'The Value of Volunteering', facilitated by Dr Ros Derrett, from Southern Cross University. It will include panel members Cameron Hart from QLD Events Gold Coast, Liz Shepherd from Ballina Shire Council's Riverfest, and Natasha Edwards from the Swell Sculpture Festival.

The second panel - 'Building Careers' will be facilitated by Dr Ceriwyn King from Griffith University. It will include Lisa Messenger, SCU Alumnus of the Year 2009 and managing director of Messenger Publishing, Don Goode, general manager of the Gold Coast International and Vivienne Palmer, from the ARTN.

Ms Cooper said there would be around 30 exhibitors. New participants this year include the Australian Baseball League, Qld Department of Communities (Sport and Recreation Services), Tweed Heads Seagulls Rugby League Football Club, Gold Coast City Council, Urban Development Institute of Australia, Sports Medicine Australia, Australian Sports Commission and International Exchange Program.

Also participating will be Rydges Hotels and Resorts, Voyages Resorts, Marriott Hotels, Toga Hospitality, ATEC, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Volunteering Gold Coast and the Student Travel Bureau, which recruits for Disney World Services.

Southern Cross University students from the Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour campuses, who travel by bus to the Careers Day, will also be participating in a field trip as part of the Careers Day.

The event is being held at the Functions Centre, Southport Australian Football Club, Cnr Musgrave and Olsen Avenues, Southport. For more information contact Joanne Cooper on 02 6620 3154.

Photo: Students receive excellent advice from Southern Cross University staff during Careers Day.