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As a sophomore, Brittany Taylor went to the USC Career Center to try to figure out what major suited her best."I had no idea what I wanted to major in, and I started reading about Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management and figured I love to travel and I love the tourism industry, so why not major in it!” she said. 

Brittany is now a senior, and has been successful in the classroom as a HRTM major.  In fact, her success has taken her all the way to Australia this summer for her internship.

Brittany secured her internship through a program called Australearn.  She has worked as an events/functions intern at Riverlife, an outdoor activity and events company, in Brisbane, Queensland."On a typical day, I help set up events, create running sheets for the day of the event, organize events into an excel database, assist with site visits with potential clients, organize private tours and Mirrabooka (Aboriginal) performances, answer phone inquiries, and help run the center,” she said. 

Although the busy days may have Brittany pulling lots of heavy kayaks at the center, she often enjoys the free perks that her internship provides.  She is able to go to a nearby resort and take Segway and four wheel drive tours, feed dolphins, sand toboggan, jet ski, snorkel, and take helicopter rides for example. 

Brittany believes that this internship experience is very important for her future job search."The internship has given me international experience and contacts,” she said."It has also given me the experience I need within the event planning industry.”  Brittany believes this internship will put her ahead of others who don’t have experience that she has gained through working with Riverlife.

Beyond her work at Riverlife, Brittany has experienced life in another country, which she says is great."The life here is very laid back,” she said."Australians here are very active they love to stay outside. The people here are very friendly.  It is really common for them to stop and start chatting with you about anything.  The city is great, too, with a lot of things to do like the entertainment district in Fortitude Valley or the West End, which has a hipster and alternative feel to its shops and markets.  South Bank, where I live, has its own man-made beach with a lot of restaurants and two universities.  It has a very modern feel to it.” 

Before going to Australia, Brittany interned at the Marriott TownPlace Suites in Columbia last summer and was responsible for the front desk and guest relations.  She has also been involved with intramural volleyball and football at USC.  Brittany says she has enjoyed her time in Columbia."I’ve had a great time at USC met some great people, and I’m proud to be a Gamecock,” she said.

After graduation, Brittany plans to stay in the event planning industry."In the future,” she said, “I will hopefully be back in Australia working as an event coordinator for a company or doing the same thing back in the states.”