Digital media turns classroom creativity into a career
For CQUniversity Digital Media graduate Thomas Rynne real-world opportunities during his studies helped him build the skills and confidence to launch his career.
Now employed as an Associate Learning Designer within CQU’s Learning and Teaching Futures Directorate, Thomas said the chance to collaborate on industry projects while studying gave him a head start after graduation.
“The projects I worked on during my degree weren’t just assignments, they were connected to industry and had real outcomes,” Thomas said.
“It was exciting to see my work out in the world and those experiences definitely prepared me for stepping into a professional role.”
During his studies, Thomas worked with CQU researchers to create scientific illustrations and infographics and co-authored the 'Getting to Know Your Dog' online games for Cairns Regional Council as part of a pro bono project assessment.
This design work was presented at the CQU’s 2023 Digital Media Project Showcase, attracting garnered further attention with a poster promoting digital media selected to be printed across CQU campuses and adapted into a t-shirt.
Thomas said working with Cairns Regional Council not only strengthened his technical skills, but also taught him the importance of communication, collaboration and meeting client expectations.
“Working with real clients and partners made the learning experience more authentic, it wasn’t just about the grade but about delivering something that had value outside the classroom.”
Thomas’s work has also been featured nationwide at Wacom Dream State competition in 2021 for digital illustration and has received multiple awards including the Paul Andersen FAPEx Second Year Prize and CQU’s the 2024 School Medal from the School of Education and the Arts.
Since graduating, Thomas has continued to apply his creativity and problem-solving skills, supporting the development of CQU’s micro-credentials and other innovative digital learning solutions.
“CQU has supported me every step of the way, first as a student and now as a staff member,” Thomas said.
“I’m proud to be contributing back to the same learning community that helped me grow.”
The innovative work of current CQU Bachelor of Digital Media students will be displayed on Friday 24 October at the virtual 2025 Digital Media Project Showcase
Registration for the event is required.
For further information or to register your interest as a pro bono project in 2026, contact CQU Digital Media Lecturer Regina John Luan via email
