Alongside more than 1,500 ECU students who crossed the graduation stage recently were Iluka sisters Hannah and Lucy Norris.
They both graduated with a Bachelor of Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations.
Incidentally, the sisters had no idea they’d applied for the same degree in 2019.
From sisters to study buddies
Lucy had completed ECU's UniPrep course as her pathway to university when she discovered her elder sister Hannah would be joining in her undergraduate degree.
"It wasn't planned and came as a surprise to us both! We were able to go to classes together and always ask each other questions," Lucy said.
"I chose to study UniPrep at ECU as I was initially unsure about wanting to continue onto a degree – but I really enjoyed my experience. It was such a great way to get a taste for university life that I decided to continue my studies with ECU."
Learning real-world skills
"What inspired me to choose Marketing, Advertising and PR at ECU was the diversity the course offered. I could see all the great skills I could learn and fields I could work in," Lucy said.
"The best part of my ECU journey was the fun activities and real-world experience completing assessments."
Lucy and Hannah said studying together was a fantastic bonus of being accepted into their chosen course.
Making the switch to ECU
Lucy's elder sister Hannah had originally commenced studies at another WA university, when she decided to make the switch to marketing at ECU.
"Everyone at ECU is friendly, motivating, supportive, and care about your specific career goals," Hannah said.
"I like the campus grounds and the community of people. The location is also ideal as it’s not far from home."
Hannah said the skills and confidence gained studying at ECU will guide her in her future.
"Being able to share my ECU journey with my sister, meeting new people and being fortunate enough to gain the skills and knowledge to do what I love has been a fantastic experience."
Job ready
Hannah hopes to challenge herself in her career, by growing skills while creating a positive impact in the workplace. Already employed as a Marketing Administrator, Hannah is now making the move into strategy and operations advisory.
Lucy completed various internships throughout her studies, while working in sales and marketing. Since completing her degree, she's gained permanent employment as a Digital Marketing Coordinator.
Top tips for students
Hannah praised the transferable skills gained from her ECU degree.
"I think the most useful learnings are time management, research, being organised, as well as persuasion, decision making and presentation skills – as they are essential to working in any profession or industry," Hannah said.
"I would highly recommend studying at ECU as I built lifelong friendships, vital skills and valuable industry connections. I loved the modern facilities, community events, advice and support offered to succeed in my units.
"My best tip for future university students would be to apply for vacation work and internships in your last year and attend the campus career fairs."
Lucy also gave some sage advice for anyone starting a university degree:
"Connecting with your lecturer and peers will help you more than you think."
Honorary degrees
Also crossing the stage at the ECU graduations were three esteemed leaders in film and creative arts, corporate social responsibility and internationalisation.
Tania Chambers OAM
Doctor of Performing Arts honoris causa
A passionate, dedicated, and highly regarded executive, advocate, and leader in the film and arts industry nationally and internationally. Dr Chambers' remarkable career and contributions over 35 years as an experienced director, chief executive and consultant has driven substantial increases in local film and television production and highlighted the truly valuable contributions of the screen and creative arts industry.
David Cooke
Doctor of Business honoris causa
Dr David Cooke is a powerful advocate of equity, diversity, and inclusiveness and in the corporate sector. The first non-Japanese Managing Director and appointed Chair of Konica Minolta Australia (KMA), he was instrumental in seeing KMA become the first in its industry to receive the Workplace Gender Equality Agency's Employee of Choice for Gender Equality citation. Dr Cooke is widely recognised for his commitment to fostering and enhancing corporate social responsibility, business excellence, and his genuine and engaging leadership.
Chitoshi Miki
Doctor of the University honoris causa
A transformational leader in large-scale international student mobility. His dedicated contribution to education and research, and passionate advocacy for encouraging students to become active global citizens has transformed the international student landscape, creating partnership and study opportunities across Asia and Oceania. Dr Chitoshi Miki is the President of Tokyo City University (TCU), a Professor at TCU of Advanced Research Laboratories and a Professor Emeritus at Tokyo Institute of Technology.
For more information about the benefits of ECU's alumni network, visit the Alumni webpages.
