QRC Adventure Tourism Management graduate Hadlee Collett never expected that studying adventure tourism would lead to a career creating marketing and communications for some of Australia and New Zealand’s leading golf clubs. But by staying open-minded, embracing every opportunity and building on the skills developed at QRC, she has created a career that combines tourism, marketing, travel and client experience.
Like many students finishing high school, Hadlee knew the traditional university pathway was not the right fit for her, but she was still unsure what she wanted her future to look like. That changed when the QRC Future Students Advisors visited her Year 13 classroom and introduced her to Adventure Tourism Management
When they told us about the diplomas QRC offered, it instantly sparked my interest,” she says. “I knew the ‘normal’ university pathway wasn’t going to be for me, and Adventure Tourism Management offered something practical, different and exciting.”
Finding Confidence, Community and Lifelong Friendships
“QRC became so much more than a place to study,” Hadlee says. “It gave me independence, opened my eyes to new possibilities and introduced me to some of my best friends. Term 2 in the Lodge was a highlight; it felt like one massive sleepover where we did everything together.”
Alongside the friendships and memorable experiences, QRC’s practical classes and industry-experienced tutors gave her a strong foundation for the working world.
“The variety of classes was really valuable, and the tutors had real industry experience we could learn from,” she says. “Even when I didn’t realise it at the time, so much of what we were learning would later apply to my career.”
Stepping Up at EcoZip Waiheke Island
As part of her Adventure Tourism Management Diploma, Hadlee completed her nine-month paid internship with EcoZip Adventures on Waiheke Island.
Beginning as a Zipline Guide, she quickly progressed to Senior Zipline Guide and helped train new team members. The role required her to balance safety, communication and customer experience while working with visitors and colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds.
“I learned how important it is to communicate clearly, not only to keep everyone safe, but also to make sure they have an enjoyable and memorable experience.”
The internship became one of the most valuable parts of Hadlee’s QRC journey. It strengthened her confidence, leadership and ability to connect with different people, skills that continue to support her in a client-facing career today.
Taking an Unexpected Path into Marketing
After graduating from QRC, Hadlee returned home and continued working in hospitality while completing a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Marketing, through the International College of Management Sydney.
Studying fully online allowed her to continue gaining workplace experience while building a new set of specialist skills. She later secured a full-time position as a Marketing Coordinator and has since progressed to become a Client Experience Lead at Club Connections, a golf marketing agency based in Hamilton.
Club Connections works with some of the top 100 golf clubs across Australia and New Zealand, producing internal and external content, member communications and club magazines. It is a career path Hadlee never could have predicted when she first began studying Adventure Tourism Management.
It is a career path Hadlee never could have predicted when she first began studying Adventure Tourism Management.
Since entering the golf industry, Hadlee has already reached some exciting milestones, including securing a long-term influencer collaboration just two months into her role and receiving media access to the 2025 Crown Australian Open at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
“No two days are the same, and I’m excited to see where the industry goes next.”
Advice for future students
“My biggest piece of advice is to stay open-minded,” she says. “Say yes to everything and take every opportunity you are given, because you never know what might come from it.”
Looking back, Hadlee believes the most important thing students can do is remain open-minded about where their qualification might take them. Even during her diploma, she did not have her entire career mapped out. It was not until Term 6 that her next steps began to become clear. During her time at QRC, those opportunities included contributing to the Go with Tourism campaign, joining the Student Council and eventually progressing into further degree-level study.
Starting will probably be the scariest part, but it will be the best two years. You’ll make incredible friends, have so much fun and learn a huge amount about yourself and the direction you want to take. It might not be the traditional university experience, but that is exactly what makes it so valuable.”
