At King's College, the focus has always been on more than just academic success. The College prides itself on nurturing well-rounded individuals, ready to thrive in both their studies and future careers. A prime example of this commitment is the recent selection of two students to join the staff team as Marketing and Communications Assistants.  This is a unique opportunity that goes beyond the lecture theatre and gives students valuable hands-on experience.

To understand the significance of these positions, we spoke to Luke Richardson, the Director of Academic & Career Development, as well as the students involved, to learn more about the impact of such opportunities.

The Value of Hiring King's Students 

When asked about the value of hiring students from within the residential community, Luke explained how important it is to tap into the existing relationships that staff and students have built over time.

“I always like the opportunity to showcase our students,” Luke said. “In a world where platforms like Seek and LinkedIn can overwhelm employers with applications, it’s invaluable to have a more personal approach. Having detailed relationships with applicants allows us to filter talent more effectively, giving both the students and employers a smoother process.”

Luke also highlighted that hiring from within the residential community brings a deeper sense of trust and familiarity. “It’s all about minimising risk. When employers already know a student, they’re more confident in their ability to succeed. It’s easier to tailor job descriptions and interview questions based on these established relationships, ensuring a more efficient and effective hiring process,” he said.

Providing a Gateway to Future Careers

The benefits of these opportunities are not just immediate but extend well into the future. Luke explained that these positions act as stepping stones for students, helping them build professional relationships that could lead to long-term career paths.

“When students have the chance to work within a real-world setting, they gain the skills and confidence to navigate their careers,” he shared. “Additionally, offering coaching and mentoring throughout their time in the position helps ensure they are prepared for future challenges.”

Real-World Experience for Students

For students like Poppy Clare and Kayla Ackerman, these opportunities have been transformative.

Poppy, who has worked as both a barista at the King’s Café and as a Marketing and Communications Assistant, reflected on the value of the experience. “I’ve been lucky enough to find employment at King’s, not only as a barista but also with a great career starter in the Marketing and Communications team. I’ve been able to learn from the welcoming staff in administration, see the behind-the-scenes work that goes into running the College, and gain real-life experience in the industry—all while not even having to leave the front door!”

For Kayla Ackerman, the opportunity to work in her desired field has been a game-changer. 

“King’s gave me such a good opportunity to get hands-on experience in the exact industry I want to go into in the future,” she said. 

Looking to the Future

As King's continues to provide students with career-launching opportunities, the results are clear: students are not only gaining valuable experience, but they are also contributing to the College's thriving community. By fostering these connections between students and employers, King's College ensures that its graduates leave not only with their degree but with a strong foundation for their careers.

The commitment to empowering students to take charge of their futures is more than just a program. It is a testament to the College’s dedication to their success both inside and outside the classroom.

King’s offers a Recruitment Service for external organisations.  With detailed knowledge of our students and alumni, our team can confidently source a shortlist of candidates to fit your next vacancy.   For more information, contact Luke Richardson at l.richardson@kings.uq.edu.au .