Public Communication students
Beattie Tow
Bachelor of Communication (Public Communication) / Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (French)
I’ll always be thankful to UTS for facilitating such an amazing time in my life.
What's it like to be a student at UTS?
I have had such a colourful and full experience with UTS, I’ve strived and struggled with my subjects, been in student plays with the drama society Backstage, and lived in France for a year for International Studies. I had the most amazing year in Strasbourg where I lived the typical French life, riding around on my bike with a baguette and bottle of wine in my basket. I’ll always be thankful to UTS for facilitating such an amazing time of my life.
What has been a highlight of Public Communication?
My last year at UTS has already presented some scary and exciting challenges. For the capstone subject, Integrated Communications, we worked with Dropbox on a communications strategy, which we eventually pitched to the client. The Dropbox representative was really happy with us and even invited us to speak at their office. This was nerve-wracking but such an amazing opportunity.
What are your plans for the future?
In starting this semester I’ve been very aware that it is my last. I’ll miss having three hours of class and still being home for an afternoon nap, having a student concession card, and walking around campus and sharing a commonality with those around me. In saying this, as I approach the end of five years at university I know that it is time to move on. I’ve been working in the communication industry for a few years, so I am lucky to have accumulated great experience throughout my degree. Even though I have no idea what will happen next in my career, I can leave UTS knowing I made the most of my time here.
Clayton McKinnon
Bachelor of Communication (Public Communication) (Creative Writing)
The two majors have given me firsthand insight to success in either industry path, equipping me with skills such as writing media releases to cinquain poetry.
What's it like to be a UTS student?
Studying at UTS has been an entirely irreplaceable experience. Having graduated high school in rural NSW’s Coonabarabran I was scared to move to Sydney to study but the student and academic body of UTS have only ever been welcoming and friendly. I’ve been taught by industry leaders, able to study for a semester abroad in Ireland, and offered a position at a social media marketing agency through a professional internship.
What has been your experience studying two Communication majors?
I’m about to complete a Bachelor of Communication with a double major in Creative Writing and Public Communication. The two majors have given me firsthand insight to success in either industry path, equipping me with skills such as writing media releases to cinquain poetry. Not only that, but the flexible teaching structure of the course lets any two majors complement each other; for example strengthening me as a copywriter in the public relations industry, or as a self-promoter in the writing industry (painfully important).
What has been your favourite subject so far?
The capstone Public Communication subject, Integrated Communication, was a particularly useful subject. It combines both streams of the Public Communication major (Advertising and Public Relations) into groups to respond to briefs from real clients. Having an actual client not only gave us a tangible and invested point of reference for our brief but also motivated us much more than usual assignments to deliver high-quality and well-rounded products; when someone actually has a stake in your work, you work a lot harder to achieve for them. This opportunity was second to none in preparing me for industry.
What are your plans for after you graduate?
UTS has genuinely set me up for life. Thanks to the support of the teaching staff, I plan to study an Honours year in 2019. I can’t recommend UTS enough.
