Get your answers at Springfield campus Open Day

Bachelor of Business (Tourism Managment) student Ashley Smith

USQ Springfield campus Open Day on Sunday 28 August is a great way to get some really practical information about studying from the people who know the answers to your questions.

Bachelor of Business (Tourism Management) student Ashley Smith credits a fact finding trip out to the campus for setting him on a path towards working in wine tourism in the future.

'I came out to the campus and talked to some of the lecturers here and that is when I realised the advantages of studying at USQ Springfield campus,' Mr Smith said.

'The smaller size of the campus and the open door policy of the teaching staff make it so much easier to get a great result from your studies.

'When I first began studying it was with the intention to major in marketing, but then I took a tourism course and my lecturer, Frances Cassidy did such a great job teaching it that I began to re-evaluate my direction.

'I lived and worked in the Whitsundays, a huge tourist destination for eight years and now work as a retail manager in the liquor industry which is where I first developed an interest in the wine industry. Having work experience in these areas has definitely helped me decide my career path.

'When I completed the tourism course, I got a great results and it all just fell into place, so I decided to work towards a career in wine tourism.

'As a single parent working full-time and studying part-time it has been a big change for me, but I am really enjoying studying again and can’t see anything coming between me and completing my goals now.'

More than 1000 people are expected to attend the Open Day, to be held between 10am and 2pm at the campus on Sinnathamby Boulevard at Springfield Central.

USQ Springfield Director Doug Fraser said the event was a great opportunity to hear about the latest in course offerings at Springfield.

'Many people are realising that gaining a university qualification is the best way to upgrade their skills and increase their employability,' Mr Fraser said.

During Open Day visitors can find out about our range of new programs and study areas including Secondary Education; Sports, Health and PE (Primary and Secondary); and the Bachelor Arts (English Literature and Journalism).

'They can hear from the lecturers who will be teaching them and ask all the questions they need answers to.

'They can also discover more about the work-integrated learning opportunities available across all USQ Springfield undergraduate programs.'

Mr Fraser said members of the public are invited to browse through the booths for program information.

'Throughout the day, in addition to faculty and support service information booths there will be a number of presentations focussing on specific areas of study or interest. These range from debating of topical law issues, television, education, psychology, engineering, construction, right up to postgraduate study.

'Future students will learn what to expect from their first year at university and watch hands-on demonstrations including the Faculty of Business and Law’s legal debates on 'Should bikie gangs be outlawed? Can I keep $20,000 I found in a suitcase on the street?' and the Faculty of Art’s 'Reality TV? Don’t you mean REALLY TV?' he said.

Open Day visitors can also get some great advice on choosing a career, find out what uni is really like at USQ, how to apply and a great session for parents and partners on how to support your son, daughter or partner when they go to university.

Campus tours, will run every half hour. For more information about Open Day or presentation session times, go to www.usq.edu.au/openday.

Contact Details:
Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0438 309 096