Curtis gets the ball rolling on career in digital media, thanks to CQU

By Greg Chapman

CQU Digital Media student Curtis Dean is kicking goals in his chosen field of study, taking his graphic design skills to a whole new level.

The 21-year-old Brisbane student recently completed a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement with a national football club, deep-diving into the fast-paced realm of sports advertising.

During his time with the club, he learned how to create graphics, social media adverts and video content.

“The experience gave me so much from both a professional and personal growth point. I sharpened my technical skills in many avenues of creation while developing more soft skills and knowledge required to understand the workings of an internal sport media environment. This has helped me finish my degree with confidence in my own ability and improved my all-round versatility,” he said.

“Many skills I had learnt throughout my degree translated straight into the field, which helped me stay afloat when I was chucked in the deep end from the get-go. It was really eye opening to reflect and realise how much I had already learnt in a variety of mediums and to be able to put these into practise was really rewarding. 

“Feedback from the club was really positive in all lights. At the conclusion of my placement, they gave me really helpful feedback moving forward from my studies. With constructive interpretations of how I present my professional portfolio online, which has helped me take my digital presence from just okay to polished. Alongside this they guided me with resume and job applications tips to help me apply for jobs in the sport media field.”

Curtis also recently completed a study tour to Mongolia thanks to a New Columbo Plan scholarship where he gained invaluable skills with a local advertising firm.

His design skills also come in handy in his role with CQU as a Digital Media Technician in the School of Education and the Arts.

CQU Digital Media Lecturer Jim Picton congratulated Curtis on his recent work placement.

“Curtis is an exceptionally talented digital media student with a graduate-standard skill set in videography and graphic design,” he said.

“His passion for these fields is unmatched, and he is one of the best and brightest students I have had the pleasure of teaching. Beyond his top-shelf technical skills, Curtis possesses all the critical 'soft skills' employers eagerly seek: time management, effective communication, and leadership, alongside the ability to excel both independently and in a team. 

“These attributes, coupled with his generous and easy-going nature, allowed him to thrive during his high-tempo work placement. Furthermore, his willingness to serve as a CQUniversity Student Ambassador speaks volumes about his character, commitment to responsibility and regard for others.”

Curtis said he is currently searching for full-time work in sports media.

“While I had various avenues I may have wanted to pursue post studies, this placement really helped me find a niche I enjoy – that also lets me combine all my skills in videography, graphic design, photography and marketing,” he said.

“I think Digital Media is such a rewarding degree to study based purely off the versatility aspect. Getting a taste of everything in first year, then being able to choose two pathways to niche into as minors ensures you have an expanded skillset that can handle more than just specific roles. Add on top four electives of your choosing and opportunities for international placements – the degree provides such a well-rounded outlook on the media industry.”

Start your journey like Curtis by finding out more about CQU’s Digital Media course.