A University of the Sunshine Coast student has been snapped up by one of the world’s most prestigious hotel chains, even before receiving her degree.

Lacey Landesmann, 20, of Brisbane, was part of the first group of students to complete a Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Leisure and Event Management) at USC’s SouthBank campus in Brisbane and is one of many who have already started work ahead of officially graduating.

“I’ve been employed by Hilton Brisbane as an Events and Operations Floor Supervisor, running various high-end events from start to finish,” Lacey said. “I recently found out that more than 200 applied for the position, so I feel confident that I’ve received the correct guidance and advice from USC.”

Lacey said her volunteering work and the extra industry experience she sought out while studying gave her a competitive edge.

“I worked at Disney World Orlando for six months in 2013 and also gained positions at the Brisbane Showgrounds and The Gabba, all of which gave me an added skill set while completing my degree,” she said.

Lacey graduated from Proserpine High School in north Queensland in 2011 and chose to study at USC when she moved to Caloundra.

Towards the end of her study, she relocated to the city to further pursue her career and finished the remainder of her subjects at the USC’s SouthBank campus in Brisbane.

“All of the subjects were very practical and helped me meet industry professionals, which was so important in gaining employment,” she said.

Hilton Brisbane Conference and Events Manager Sean Park said he was impressed with Lacey’s skills and knowledge.

“Lacey shows highly employable skills by always aiming for the highest standards in everything she does, and this would make me inclined to hire USC students in the future,” he said.

USC also offers pathways from TAFE Diplomas into several USC degree programs, with the second and third years delivered at the USC SouthBank campus enabled through collaboration with TAFE Queensland Brisbane.

— Megan Woodward