Where are they now? Danielle Roddick, Web Coordinator

In 2005, Danielle Roddick started working at UWS on a casual basis as a Media Assistant within the Office of Media and Communication while she was studying the Bachelor of Communications degree. Danielle applied after seeing an advertisement on CareerHub and, eight years later, she is still working at UWS.

Why did you decide to work at UWS while you were studying?At the time, I was just looking for any flexible job that would fit in with my studies.

What did you find advantageous about working at UWS while studying here?An advantage of working for the University is that your supervisors understand the demands of study, and are willing to be flexible so that you can juggle the two. Because my job was based on the Werrington North campus, I was lucky enough to be able to come into work first thing in the morning and then walk across the bridge to Werrington South to attend my lectures.

What skills did you learn while interning?The Media Assistant role, where I maintained the University's old media audit program, was a great experience for me. Simply by working in proximity with the Media Unit, I learnt a lot about public relations and the media and how professional communications can play an important role in any large organisation.

During the uni breaks, I would ask for some extra work so that I could gain more experience. The team was really supportive and gave me the opportunity to write some media releases and contact local journalists. This experience was invaluable when I went on to also complete internships at Smash Hits magazine and the Media Department at Penrith City Council in the final year of my undergraduate degree. Having already had some on-the-job experience, I was trusted with some extra tasks and responsibilities that I otherwise may not have been given.

What does your daily role as Web Coordinator entail?After I finished my undergraduate degree in 2007, I was lucky enough to secure a job as a Media Officer, and then in 2008 I was promoted to a Senior Media Officer role. These roles involved writing media releases and feature stories, building relationships with journalists, and managing media inquiries about the University. I was also able to develop some web-based skills when the University launched its 'News Centre' website, which eventually led to the opportunity to work in the Web Services Unit.

I just started in my role as Web Coordinator in May 2013, so I am still learning! In the role I support internal clients in the University in developing web content, and contribute to the overall development of the UWS website. I am learning how to operate the University's content management systems (CMS), as well as how to ensure that the University follows best-practice web standards in terms of usability and accessibility.

What are the best things about working at UWS?UWS has a very strong focus on supporting the professional development of its staff. I have always been given opportunities to extend myself and learn new things, and every time you learn a new skill it opens up another door. In September this year I will graduate with a Master of Convergent Media degree from UWS, which I have been studying part-time over the last four years with the help of a Staff Postgraduate Scholarship. I would never have been able to consider studying at a postgraduate level without this support from the University.

My current role as Web Coordinator is also a professional development opportunity – I will be working in this role for 12 months on a secondment basis.

What are some of the greatest achievements/highlights you have experienced working at UWS?Working in a Media Relations role, you very quickly learn that that there are never any guarantees! You can work for weeks preparing a story, only for major news – such as a political announcement or a natural disaster – to break and your story is dropped from the newspaper. Every time I was able to secure a positive story about the University in a major Australian newspaper, or on a national radio or television news program, I considered it a major accomplishment. In the next 12 months, I am looking forward to working on some very exciting web-based projects for the University, so I'm sure there will be many more highlights ahead.

Would you like to learn new skills? The University has many professional development opportunities, including secondments. Keep a lookout on the University's Current Vacancies webpage (opens in a new window) for secondment opportunities.

You can also learn without switching jobs. Add to your résumé by undertaking a course through the Office of Organisational Development (OD), applying for a Churchill Fellowship – and more! Visit the OD Career Development Opportunities webpage (opens in a new window) to find out about the possibilities.

If you have a short-term staffing need, you could also help UWS students build skills and experience by hiring a student. The Jobs on Campus program is a great way to tap into the knowledge and fresh perspective of students. Find out more on the Jobs on Campus webpage (opens in a new window) or email Kelly Whitney, Jobs on Campus Coordinator, on k.whitney@uws.edu.au to find out more.