Bree-Anne Love

Vocational Student of the Year (Public Relations), 2008 - Victoria University
Advanced Diploma of Business (Public Relations), 2007 - Victoria University
Diploma of Business Management, 2007 - Victoria University

"I love the media and events, so public relations seemed like the perfect choice. It's not the average nine-to-five desk job, and I am impressed by the incredible importance that public relations play in any company and in the community.

I chose TAFE as opposed to university as I believe practical experience in this profession is more beneficial than theory.

VU has a lot of connections in the industry. A lot of our teachers are also industry professionals. One worked in fashion, another worked for the airlines, and they could tell us what it was like. And if we wanted to volunteer, we were given places with people they knew personally.

I do volunteer work for on-the-job experience with the Young Variety committee - a charity for children. Volunteering at Variety has given me experience in operating charity events, auctions, sponsorship and donations, and also shown me the importance of networking. I also do volunteer work for a local gymnastics club.

Receiving the Vocational Student of the Year (Public Relations) award is a good recognition of my studies and adds something extra that I got out of the course."