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Gabrielle Tozer delivered the 2014 Commencement Address to new students. Photo: Michelle McAulay |
Amanda Jones
26 February 2014: University of Canberra communications graduate Gabrielle Tozer revealed some of the secrets behind the magazine world when she delivered the 2014 Commencement Address as part of Registration and Orientation Week (ROW).
Ms Tozer, who recently launched her debut novel The Intern published by HarperCollins, about the glamour, celebrity and free stuff of a career in the magazine industry, addressed the University's newest cohort of students at the Commencement Ceremony on 13 February.
Ms Tozer's own journey from intern to novelist has seen her work in a number of editorial roles for titles including Cosmopolitan, DOLLY, Girlfriend, Mother & Baby and www.mamamia.com.au. She now works as a full-time corporate editor and copywriter, while juggling life as an author and freelance writer.
She said she was honoured to be invited to return to campus, adding that the University played a role in her rise up the magazine ranks.
During her final year of study, Ms Tozer completed a year-long paid internship for the University's online magazine Monitor, which she said "without a doubt, helped me secure my first job in Sydney in 2006."
"Internships, work experience and writing for free while studying are all essential if you want to stand out at your first job interview," she said.
"The sooner you build up your skills and experience with internships and work experience, the sooner you will land yourself a paid position."
Watch Ms Tozer's Commencement Address below:
ROW is designed to help students get settled into university life and ready for study. Students also enjoyed course advice sessions, campus tours, market days and live music.
10 teams, including domestic and international students, a team from the Students Association and UC Fit! also took part in an amazing race competing against University of Canberra Brumbies and Canberra Raiders players.
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Teams line up to compete in the amazing race. Photo: Michelle McAulay |
Junior squad players and University of Canberra students Michael Smith, Joe Powell and Connal McInerney represented the Brumbies, while Matt Frawley (also a student), Tevita Pangai and Scott Doyle made up the Raiders team.
The race, organised by the Inclusion and Welfare team, is designed to help students get to know what University services are available to them.
Teams completed a number of challenges including visiting the University's Gym to find out how much a student membership cost, referencing a book at the Library and even changing a nappy to raise awareness of the Parent's Room available in Student Central.
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Changing a nappy was one challenge participants encountered on the amazing race. Photo: Michelle McAulay |
"Participants commented that it was a fun and knowledgeable experience and gave them an insight to the depth and breadth of student support and services available on campus. They also said they loved all the challenges and would be back to run the race again next year!" Inclusion and Welfare manager Melanie Kovacs said.
The University of Canberra Brumbies team won the race with an international student team coming a close second.
Classes started last week.
