Shaiane Baller, inspired by a high school presentation, studied Adventure Tourism Management at QRC in 2017. Through her internship at AJ Hackett Bungy in Queenstown she developed a passion for adventure tourism and bungy jumping. After roles in parasailing on the Gold Coast, she joined Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett. In 2024, she fulfilled her dream of working in the Operations team and became Australia’s first female Bungy Jump Master. Shaiane enjoys helping others conquer their fears and encourages prospective students to embrace the opportunities on offer at QRC.
Why did you choose to study Adventure Tourism Management?
- At high school they had people from QRC come and speak to our tourism class about the college and they showed off Queenstown, the lifestyle and the opportunities that come with studying there. I got super curious and decided that I wanted to be in an industry that blends a love for travel, the outdoors and business.
What was the most memorable part of your time at QRC?
- Being put in situations that were out of my comfort zone, things like bungy jumping – something I never really thought of myself doing before QRC and it was something that absolutely terrified me but is now something I am passionate about.
Where did you do your internship, what was your role there and what was something you learnt on internship?
- I completed my internship at AJ Hackett Bungy. My role was Frontline Sales & Service and one key thing I learned was the importance of emotional intelligence. Working in adventure tourism can sometimes involve a certain level of risk which can cause fear in people and knowing how to encourage and help people in those often-challenging times is very important.
Tell us about your journey post QRC – Where have you worked, travelled, studied? What have you been doing since QRC?
- Since graduating from QRC, I worked in a couple of jobs that weren’t related to tourism. I always craved to be back in the tourism industry so at the end of 2022, I packed up and moved to the Gold Coast where I worked at a parasailing company. It was fun but didn’t quite satisfy me as I realised that my passion lies within adventure tourism and specifically bungy jumping.
I now work at Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett. I have been with the company for two years now.
Can you share a proud moment or significant achievement from your career?
- At the end of 2024 I was awarded my Jump Master certification. This was an incredibly proud moment and significant achievement for me because since starting at AJ Hackett Bungy in Queenstown back in 2017, all I wanted to do was join the operations team which I unfortunately didn’t get that opportunity in my two years of working there. Coming to Skypark to pursue the opportunity of joining the operations team was
definitely a challenge for me, but after all the time I spent training both mentally and physically, I became the first female Jump Master in Australia.
What do you love most about working in the Adventure Tourism industry?
- For a lot of people, they are doing something they may never do again and they are often conquering a fear. I love being part of that experience for people and I love being the person to encourage them to do something they might not have ever imagined themselves to do. I find it incredibly fulfilling and exciting.
What advice would you give prospective students considering QRC?
- Do it. Have fun while you study and have fun while you work in the most magical place. So many incredible opportunities can come out of working and living in Queenstown and studying at QRC.
What advice would you give current QRC students?
- Ask questions, always upskill/cross train anywhere you can and take all the steps that will lead you to where you want to be in the future.
Study Adventure Tourism Management or Hospitality Management.
