Maria makes her mark with public relations
 Olympics champion Cathy Freeman and public relations graduate Maria Gioffre met at a fundraising dinner Public relations graduate Maria Gioffre has struck gold with the Victorian Commonwealth Games Association (VCGA).
For the past two years, the Advanced Diploma of Business (Public Relations) student has worked as production editor for the association’s newsletter VCGA News.
On 27 June, Maria was presented with a recognition award by the Hon. James Merlino, MP, Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs for her creative contributions to the publication.
Maria said she first became involved with the organisation after being invited by her teacher Matthew Scholes.
“Matthew is the VCGA Vice President and projects manager. In 2005 he invited a few of us to do some work experience on the newsletter,” she said.
“The association has been extremely grateful and appreciative for my work. I came on board at the VCGA at a really exciting and busy time so my help was valued.”
Maria said the experience allowed her to improve her writing and editing skills.
“I enjoy my role at the VCGA because it gives me an opportunity to work with a really good team,” she said.
“It also gives me experience in graphic design, which I don’t get to do in my full-time job.”
Maria said the experience helped her gain employment as communications manager with youth marketing and communications agency The Taboo Group.
“When I went for the job, they were very impressed with my initiative and voluntary work experience,” she said.
“I now work permanently for the VCGA one day a week and at The Taboo Group for the remainder.”
Maria said her current role involves overseeing the entire public relations department which includes organisation, client and account management, media liaison, strategic planning and campaign implementation.
“I love working in the public relations industry. It’s everything I hoped for,” she said.
5 July 2007
|