University of Wollongong student Katarina Stefanovic is making the most of every opportunity.
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During 2014 when Careers Central expanded to provide stronger links between students and businesses, Ms Stefanovic was an eager participant.
She may have some famous cousins but she believes in doing everything she can herself to succeed in her own right.
Among the many events she attended in 2014 was a panel session involving local industry representatives as part of an Illawarra Showcase.
Panellists spoke to students about their career journeys, gave an insight into the Illawarra labour market and spoke about the benefits of working in Wollongong.
Ms Stefanovic took the opportunity to network, learn more and did interviews for UOW TV.
"I thought it was really valuable to make connections," she said.
"Establishing valuable connections can help you get experience, and many business leaders are more than happy to share their knowledge."
Ms Stefanovic said Careers Central was helpful when she went to them at the end of her first year, looking at everything she was doing and helping her consider what she really wanted to do.
"They provided me with a list of websites showing where students can actually find internships, cadetships, work experience and graduate jobs."
The university also trialled a second-year subject called Career Ready Learning Practice to help university students understand the labour market.
Careers Central offers a range of free workshops on getting ready for work with subjects such as developing interview skills and writing a CV.
Ms Stefanovic, a former St Mary's Star of the Sea student, researches everything she can so she knows what is going on and what questions to ask.
And she doesn't hesitate when presented with an opportunity.
She said it was important to be able to succeed on her own merits.
"My dad often says you need to make your own way in the industry," she said.
"So I am trying to get there without asking [cousin television journalist] Karl [Stefanovic] for help."
Ms Stefanovic wants to move more into a Bachelor of Journalism degree and hopes that by doing well and proving herself in her own right she will be able to get an internship at the Illawarra Mercury or WIN Television.
She also plans to extend her study by a year so she can learn and develop her skills.
"I was doing international communication but I decided to switch to business communication," she said.
"I am doing marketing and public relations as well just to give a bit of variety."
Ms Stefanovic said it was great to be able to live and study in Wollongong.
"I've been so fortunate," she said.
"I am all about making the most of the university experience because this is the best time to get out there and learn what's available to you," she said.
"A lot of my friends are going on exchange so I am looking at that too.
"I am just trying to make the most of every opportunity and it is all available to you here in Wollongong.
"So many of my friends have gone to Sydney and come back again because they realise the value of staying at home and studying here."
