As a business owner and digital marketer, Jacinta Collison was looking to progress her career with postgraduate study when she stumbled across the Master of Digital Communication at QUT.
Jacinta discusses her love for creativity and how QUT’s supportive learning environment helped her become proficient with new technologies and skills that have accelerated her career.
Tell us about your job?
I am a freelance digital marketer and I also run a gluten free donut business with my family. As a freelance digital marketer I work in a small marketing agency and create social media content and marketing collateral. Within the family business I look after all the marketing.
How has this course helped you in your current role?
This course has shown me the importance of data and ethical practices. I plan to use my data analysis and visualisation skills in the family donut business to identify new trends and key takeaways across all aspects of the business.
Why did you choose QUT?
I graduated just before the pandemic started so I found it hard to find the work I wanted. Honestly, I was feeling a bit lost. A friend of mine was doing her master’s and she encouraged me to do it as well. I initially blew her off, but the thought was always in the back of my mind. Then one day I started looking at different master’s courses around Australia and I was intrigued by the Master of Digital Communication offered by QUT.
What inspired you to study this course?
As a digital marketer I thought this course would teach me new skills in digital communication and enhance my knowledge in this area. While the course was different from the Bachelor of Business that I also studied at QUT, it was also in a similar area so I thought it could give me an edge in the workforce. I also remember hearing that QUT had the best communications school in the country, so I knew it was the right course for me. I mean who doesn’t want to learn from the best?
What did you find useful about the course?
Most definitely the practical learning and networking opportunities with my peers and professors. I’ve met peers I know will be lifelong friends. I couldn’t have gotten through this degree without these people. I’ve also been taught by some amazing industry leaders, and I will always remember their passion for their craft and the support they gave us. Plus, the knowledge and skills I gained through this course will always stay with me.
What is a key takeaway for you?
This course taught me the importance of data analysis and introduced me to new technologies such as Tableau, which are skills I hadn’t really focused on before this course. As a marketer I understood the importance of social media and campaign metrics but now I look at it through a wider lens. Also, I love being creative and Tableau allows me to have fun and be creative with data analysis.
How did QUT support you during your degree?
There were times during my degree when we had to learn online due to the pandemic. It was great that we could still have lectures and tutorials through Zoom. I learn more in a classroom than through reading, so it really helped me understand the content better. It also helped us feel connected when we were apart.
What advice would you give someone considering postgraduate studies at QUT?
If you’re unsure whether to do it or not just go for it. It’s going to be full on, but it will be worth it in the end. Plus, you’re going to make some great friends along the way and create some amazing memories.
