Finding a passion for marketing through career-ready placement

When Nishaya Ruwinka Perera left Sri Lanka to study in Australia, she knew it would be a big leap, but one she was ready to take. With her brother already living in Australia, she wanted to be close to family while still creating her own experience. After researching her options, the University of Newcastle stood out. “I was drawn to the University because of its strong academic reputation and beautiful coastal setting,” she notes.

While studying the Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Commerce, Nishaya has enjoyed the practical experiences, industry placements, and access to expert facilities. “These experiences provide hands-on learning opportunities, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. They also help build essential skills, expand my professional network, and enhance my career”, she says.

Nishaya completed a career-ready placement with the University of Newcastle International Marketing team. Here, Nishaya took on a variety of responsibilities. "My primary responsibilities included researching social media trends, planning content, editing videos for social media, and assisting with campaigns," she explains. This hands-on experience allowed her to dive deep into the world of digital marketing.

Nishaya worked on several social media projects aimed at engaging international students. "I worked on creating reels and short videos, writing captions, and helping with campaigns," she shares. These projects not only honed her content creation skills but also gave her a taste of the fast-paced marketing environment.

The placement significantly improved Nishaya's digital content creation skills. "I gained valuable skills in video editing, social media strategy, and understanding what kind of content resonates with different audiences," she says. Additionally, she learned how to manage content calendars, work as part of a professional marketing team, and adapt quickly to feedback and new ideas.

The experience gave Nishaya a clear picture of what working in marketing is like. "This placement showed me how dynamic and creative the industry is and motivated me to keep building my skills," she notes. It has inspired her to pursue a career in marketing and events, where she can apply the skills and knowledge she has gained.

Nishaya has some valuable advice for other students about to start their career-ready placement, " Be open, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to learn. Connect with your team; they can guide and support you more than you’d expect”. Her positive attitude and willingness to learn have clearly contributed to her successful learning experience.

Nishaya Ruwinka Perera

Nishaya worked across multiple projects that not only enhanced her content creation skills but also gave her a taste of the fast-paced marketing environment.