Sunny Media like to consider themselves a part of the community and where possible look to get involved and give back. The directors of QA play a positive part in the future of advertising, marketing and public relations, one of which has been their relationship with the University of the Sunshine Coast.
QA teamed up with USC in 2014 and now offer a yearly bursary to students studying advertising, marketing and public relations through the School of Communications. Third year students are eligible to apply for the bursary, with the chosen winner awarded $2,000 to assist them in getting started in their new career once they leave university. Further to this financial incentive, QA also offers the opportunity for the winning student to participate in work experience, providing real-life workings of an advertising and public relations agency, and to develop and utilise the skills they have already learnt.
Since starting this initiative, QA have had some amazing students awarded the bursary. In 2014 the wonderfully bright and outgoing Bridget McCulloch was the inaugural recipient of the bursary and undertook work experience with the Sunny Media team. Her talent was evident with QA offering her a paid position where she spent time with all aspects of the business before relocating to the Silicone Valley in the USA for 12 months with Facebook. Bridget has now moved Sydney and is working in the marketing team for Uber Eats. The QA Team couldn’t be prouder of her accomplishments in such short time and feel very honoured they were able to contribute and assist her on her journey.
Following Bridget was another go-getter, Amanda Bear. Amanda was awarded the Bursary and began her work experience with QA in 2016. Before her work experience was complete, she was offered a full- time role as an Account Coordinator. She is now a strong team player in the office with her ever-cheerful disposition, eagerness to learn and creative talent.
Last year’s bursary winner, Amy Roberts is set to start with QA in the coming weeks. Amy majored in Public Relations and minored in creative advertising and social media. All of the QA team are excited to see what she can bring, and the opportunities that this offering might open up for her.
Over the past few years, Sunny Media has employed six former USC graduates. It’s a commitment QA are very proud of, and the team are all looking forward to enhancing this relationship in the future.