Tahlia Hood

Recent Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts graduate Tahlia Hood has found her sense of purpose in working in Media and Communications for Legacy, a not-for-profit organisation that supports families of veterans who have served in the defence forces.

What was your UNE qualification/s?

Earlier this year, I completed a combined Bachelor of Business (Majoring in Marketing) and Arts (Majoring in International Studies)

Online or on-campus study?

I studied online whilst moving between Sydney, Tamworth, Toowoomba and Brisbane.

How was your experience with UNE lecturers?

I had thought that studying online would be quite lonely, but the lecturers were fantastic. I had regular contact with them and classmates through Moodle. It was a really collaborative approach to study.

What was your reason for studying at UNE?

My husband and I moved interstate frequently for work during my studies, so I needed an online option. I was drawn to UNE for the high satisfaction student rating.

Any plans for future study with UNE?

I’ve just accepted an offer to complete my Graduate Certificate in Business over the summer!

Your current job?

I work in Media & Communications at Legacy, a non for profit (NFP) organisation that supports the families of veterans who have served our country. My role includes managing media opportunities, social media accounts, profiling individuals for case studies and working with ADF and other veteran organisations to raise awareness and promote our work.

The personal qualities needed to do your job?

A sense of purpose and a motivation to help others.

If you weren’t in this line of work, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

I can’t imagine being in another career - I love the NFP sector and giving back to others!

Your advice for anyone interested in pursuing this type of career?

Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer! Skill-based volunteering is the best way to determine if this is the right path for you. I volunteered with several organisations, utilising the skills I developed through my studies, before working in the sector.

The biggest highlight you’ve experienced through UNE?

I’ve had two major highlights throughout my course. The first was completing the New England Award program through professional development and volunteerism. It is a great qualification to have on my resume!

The second was attending one of the Overseas Study Experiences in 2017 to China and Hong Kong. It was an incredible experience to engage with business owners across various sectors on an international scale, and to meet so many like-minded individuals in similar courses (Especially where I wouldn’t have otherwise had the opportunity studying online!)

How has your UNE qualification aided you in your career?

Completing the marketing side of my degree gave me the specific skill set to complete day to day tasks, and the international studies side gave me the opportunity to research human rights, sustainability and other global issues to work in the NFP sector.

Do you volunteer your time for a community project or organisation?

I’m currently volunteering with a few organisations - Compassion International, supporting two young international children in their studies; Connected AU, corresponding with those experiencing isolation in nursing homes throughout Australia during the pandemic; and Kiva, sponsoring small business owners in third world countries through small loans and correspondence.

I’d also like to mentor UNE students or graduates one day!

In this time of Covid-19, how has the virus impacted your work?

Covid-19 has dramatically impacted the way NFPs fundraise, forcing us to move toward digital avenues and away from face-to-face fundraising. I’ve been working on various campaign concepts which our audience can easily participate in whilst staying safe during the current pandemic, including social media fundraisers and raising funds through your organisation.