Samantha Ferguson
Graduate, Advanced Diploma Business (Marketing) major in Public Relations

Sam’s thoughts on her time at APM are below:

1. What made you choose to study at APM?
   
   I wanted an intense course that included hands on experience. I also wanted a qualification that wasn’t going to take years. APM was the perfect choice.
   
   
2. What were you doing previously to studying at APM?
   
   I completed the HSC then moved to Sydney to study at APM.
   
   
3. What did you enjoy about the course you studied?
   
   It was hands on, I meet great people throughout the year and I had help with the transition from study to work.
   
   
4. What was your goal when you enrolled at APM?
   
   To maintain a distinction average and learn as much as possible to better myself and build a foundation for a great career.
   
   
5. What is your current job title, company name and job description?
   
   I am currently the Marketing Coordinator for Oporto Franchising Pty Ltd. In a sentence, the marketing team at Oporto is accountable for everything that has an Oporto logo on it. From billboards to menu boards, stationery to uniforms.
   
   
6. Describe what your current role involves?
   
   I help manage our online ordering system, local store marketing and even our events and conferences play a big part in my job. My job varies from day-to-day. I never wanted to be in a boring job and Oporto keeps me on my toes, so it’s great.
   
   
7. How did you find your current job?
   
   www.seek.com.au
   
   
8. What were the most successful aspects of the APM course?
   
   The internship really helps you transition from study to work. I still keep in touch with my boss and colleagues so from there I started networking. The APM networking nights also helped build up my network of industry associates and not to mention that now other students are now some of my best friends.
   
   
9. What advice do you have for other APM students hoping to break into your field?
   
   It may be the age old saying but don’t give up! You may not get a job immediately. In the meantime, build your resume with volunteering opportunities which you can always talk about at your interviews and a short course here and there won’t go astray either.
   
   
10. Did you find it easy or hard to get a job after you graduated?
    
    I went for quite a few interviews and it was hard at times. I had to push through the knock backs and tell myself my dream job will come along and it did! It doesn’t hurt to go to plenty of interviews, it actually tunes your skills, you become more comfortable talking about yourself and you learn how to act in an interview.
    
    
11. What other career goals or aspirations do you have?
    
    Oporto is looking to expand further overseas so I would like to get involved in this process. We have 93 stores across Australia and New Zealand and we want to go into the UK, USA and China. I think the most exciting thing about working in an industry that I love (marketing) is that the possibilities are endless and there is so much to learn.
    
    
12. What other initiatives have you taken to help your career?
    

    I ask questions and listen carefully. When I started my job I had a few people say to me that if I keep my eyes and ears open I would learn a lot from my boss and I have! Experience is everything so if someone asks you to help them with something, to come along to an event or even to copy check a letter do it because when you need to organise a conference or write a media release you will thank yourself for having helped them because it will help you tremendously!