A USC double degree in Arts and Business that included a creative advertising study tour to Vietnam has spurred a Glass House Mountains resident to start his career in academia.

Lucas Whittaker, 22, earned a Faculty Medal for his grade point average of 6.66 out of a perfect 7 when he graduated from USC at its recent ceremony.

Lucas is now working as a business development coordinator with USC’s Faculty of Arts, Business and Law, after previous jobs at USC in research and administration.

“This role offers amazing hands-on experience as I liaise with colleagues and external stakeholders to assist in planning and coordinating faculty events,” said the 2012 Beerwah State High School graduate.

He said the four-year Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business gave him confidence, skills and career flexibility.

“The study tour to Ho Chi Minh city with four other students was a definite highlight of my USC experience,” Lucas said.

“Our visits to advertising, digital marketing and PR agencies were fantastic opportunities to see what I’d learned in tutorials and lectures put into practice in an international environment.

“Networking with agency CEOs and directors showed me some of the Vietnamese cultural influences on communication, and their accelerated rates of technological adaptation.

“I now intend to pursue Honours, for a career in academia or digital marketing.”

Information on how to apply to study at USC in 2018.

Image: USC Professor Joanne Scott and Lucas Whittaker at the Graduation Ceremony. Credit: Reed Graduation Services.

— Julie Schomberg