By Georgia Smith, 11 June, 2025
Grace didn’t just study at QUT—she made the most of every opportunity. From overseas exchange and internships, to student clubs and international study tours, to scholarships and global business case competitions—she took full advantage of everything the Bachelor of Business (Marketing) offered. We reached out and spoke to her about experience.
What made you choose QUT for your business degree?
I went to QUT Open Day in Year 11 and was blown away by the business degree presentation. The opportunities for international experiences and industry connections were amazing, I knew QUT business was the right choice for me. I chose to major in marketing because it combines creativity with analytics and problem-solving.
What were the best parts of your degree?
The mix of theory and real-world experiences. I got to take specialised marketing units, work on actual client projects, intern with amazing companies, and even study overseas. The hands-on learning was definitely the most valuable part!
Speaking of hands-on learning, what kind of real-world experiences did you have?
So many! Many of my units involved working on real-world projects with clients and gaining insights from industry guest lecturers. Some of my work has even been shared directly with clients.
Many of my lecturers and tutors are active professionals in the marketing industry, offering first-hand insights into the skills and knowledge required to succeed.
Did QUT help you connect with industry?
Absolutely! From networking events to internships and industry projects, there were so many ways to engage with industry. I built a strong network before I even graduated, which has been a huge advantage.
You mentioned internships. Can you tell us about this?
One of the biggest highlights was receiving the Corporate Partners in Excellence (CPIE) 1 Year Scholarship, which included a 15-week internship. It was an incredible opportunity to gain real experience while still studying.
I interned at RNA, the organisation behind the Ekka, Royal Queensland Awards, and Brisbane Showgrounds. Experiencing the inner workings of such a diverse organisation—and contributing to an event as iconic as the Ekka—was an incredible learning opportunity. I worked across two teams, developing invaluable skills while also building strong industry connections.
I also interned at a boutique PR firm, which counted towards my degree. These experiences helped me build confidence, develop industry skills, and connect with professionals.
You were heavily involved in student clubs—can you tell us about this?
During my time at QUT, I was an executive member of two student clubs: Women in Business and AMPed. I held roles like Volunteering Director, Communications Director and Marketing Officer, which helped me develop leadership and communication skills while networking with industry professionals. These experiences even helped me land a job in the industry! Plus, I made some lifelong friends along the way.
You also had some amazing international experiences—what were they like?
One of the most enriching aspects of my QUT journey was the opportunity to participate in three international programs: the Vietnam Study Tour, a International Case Competition in Maastricht, and a short-term exchange at the University of Leeds.
- Vietnam Study Tour: As part of the New Colombo Plan, I participated in a two-week immersion in Vietnam focused on small business and sustainability. It was a deeply rewarding experience and my first time traveling to Asia. Throughout the two weeks I got a unique insight into another culture, connected with Vietnamese university students, enjoyed traditional cuisine, and explored some of the must-see tourist attractions.
- International Case Competition in Maastricht, the Netherlands: I had the privilege of being selected to compete in Maastricht as part of QUT’s International Case Competition Team. The experience was both challenging and rewarding, helping me refine my problem-solving and presentation skills while collaborating with students from across the globe. It was exciting to tackle real business challenges from an international experience, and traveling to Europe for the first time added another layer of excitement, making it an unforgettable journey.
- Short-term exchange at the University of Leeds, England: Over the mid-year break I went to the University of Leeds where I was able to complete and get credit for a unit. I lived in university accommodation and was surrounded by students from all over the world. Traveling across the UK with new friends made the experience truly special. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I formed lasting friendships along the way.
Each experience pushed me beyond my comfort zone, helped me build a global perspective, and fostered incredible friendships with students from around the world.
What’s next for you?
After graduating in December I landed a role as Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator at Elevate Communication, where I interned mid last year.
I’m passionate about communication, connection, and travel, so I want to keep pursuing a career that lets me work across cultures and industries—hopefully, internationally!
The skills I gained at QUT, both in and outside the classroom, have set me up for success. I want to leverage my degree to make a positive impact on a global scale, fostering connections between people and places.
Grace’s story is a great example of how much you can get out of uni if you dive into every opportunity. Whether it’s hands-on projects, internships or studying overseas, QUT gives students everything they need to thrive.