An OP1 student who is a talented snowboarder and show jumper is about to launch into a Business degree at USC.

Maroochydore State High School graduate Emma Hutton, 17, of Maroochy River has worked as a snowboarding instructor for the past three northern winters in Canada, where she spent much of her early childhood.

Emma said she hoped that studying a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) would give her the skills and knowledge to build a marketing career in the ski resort industry.

“I felt that doing a Business degree at USC would open up a lot of different doors, and allow me to travel more,” she said.
 
“I’ve loved being exposed to the marketing side of running a major ski resort when I’ve been working as a snowboard instructor.

“I see myself in that field because it’s an area where my passion meets my study path. Marketing allows you to be a bit creative, which I’ve always enjoyed.”

Closer to home, Emma achieved excellent high school results while competing in high-level show jumping and dressage competitions around south-east Queensland.

She currently works as a groom at an elite show jumping stable, and plans to continue her pursuits in equestrian while studying at USC.

“Working with horses is definitely a passion and a stress release for me,” she said. “It really helped me get through Year 12,” she said.
 
“Studying at USC really appealed to me because it meant I could stay on the Sunshine Coast, near my horses, and have the lifestyle I love.

“I didn’t want to have to change my whole life to get a degree, I wanted to keep a balance, and USC was able to offer that to me.”

USC’s Orientation Week will be held from Monday 20 February before classes begin on Monday 27 February. For application and enrolment information, visit www.usc.edu.au/learn.

— Gen Kennedy