Spring Break
Student a finalist for 'best job in the world'
Emily Volz
Issue date: 3/20/09 Section: News
Imagine getting paid to go snorkeling, visit spas and explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef.
If it sounds like the best job in the world, that's because it is.
A lucky UConn student is one of 50 finalists competing for "The Best Job in the World."
Sandra Crane, a 6th-semester marketing major, applied for the position of "Island Caretaker" for Tourism Queensland, Australia in January, along with 34,683 other applicants from around the world.
According to Tourism Queensland's Web site, the job pays $150,000 Australian, which converts to $98,820 in U.S. dollars. It is a six-month position that will begin on July 1 and end on Dec. 31.
The employee will be given a schedule of events and activities during their stay on the islands of the Great Barrier Reef. They will report their impressions of the experience in a weekly blog, video diary and photo gallery.
The employee will live in a three-bedroom house on Hamilton Island, and will be allowed to bring a friend or relative.
Crane first heard about the job when her father sent her an e-mail that read, "Sandi, quit school. I found the job for you." Attached was a link to a Yahoo! article that led Crane to "The Best Job in the World" Web site, islandreefjob.com.
"When I first saw the Web site, it was really intimidating," said Crane, who saw the staggering number of applicants and debated applying.
"I decided to take a chance, and in this case it paid off," Crane said.
Applicants applied for the job by submitting videos that explained why they were best suited for the job.
"I made the video completely by myself, which I think is something that makes me stand out," said Crane. "It makes me a relatable candidate."
Crane wants to become the marketing manager of a travel agency when she graduates from UConn. She studied abroad at James Cook University in Queensland, Australia in fall 2007.
She believes that her marketing skills combined with her familiarity with Australia make her an ideal candidate for "The Best Job in the World" - a job that ultimately serves to promote tourism for the islands of the Great Barrier Reef.
On March 3, Tourism Queensland announced the 50 applicants who made it past the first round. Six applicants from the United States were selected, including Crane.
This weekend, Crane, along with the 49 other applicants, is being flown to Los Angeles for a series of press events.
Next week, Tourism Queensland will select 10 finalists.
Voters have the opportunity to watch the top 50 applicants' videos and pick their favorite at: islandreefjob.com/#/shortlisted-applicants.
The applicant who receives the highest number of votes by 11:59 p.m. on March 24 will receive an 11th Wild Card spot, and take part in the final interview event.
Crane said that if she gets the job, she would take a semester off and return to UConn for spring 2010.
Emily.Volz@UConn.edu
If it sounds like the best job in the world, that's because it is.
A lucky UConn student is one of 50 finalists competing for "The Best Job in the World."
Sandra Crane, a 6th-semester marketing major, applied for the position of "Island Caretaker" for Tourism Queensland, Australia in January, along with 34,683 other applicants from around the world.
According to Tourism Queensland's Web site, the job pays $150,000 Australian, which converts to $98,820 in U.S. dollars. It is a six-month position that will begin on July 1 and end on Dec. 31.
The employee will be given a schedule of events and activities during their stay on the islands of the Great Barrier Reef. They will report their impressions of the experience in a weekly blog, video diary and photo gallery.
The employee will live in a three-bedroom house on Hamilton Island, and will be allowed to bring a friend or relative.
Crane first heard about the job when her father sent her an e-mail that read, "Sandi, quit school. I found the job for you." Attached was a link to a Yahoo! article that led Crane to "The Best Job in the World" Web site, islandreefjob.com.
"When I first saw the Web site, it was really intimidating," said Crane, who saw the staggering number of applicants and debated applying.
"I decided to take a chance, and in this case it paid off," Crane said.
Applicants applied for the job by submitting videos that explained why they were best suited for the job.
"I made the video completely by myself, which I think is something that makes me stand out," said Crane. "It makes me a relatable candidate."
Crane wants to become the marketing manager of a travel agency when she graduates from UConn. She studied abroad at James Cook University in Queensland, Australia in fall 2007.
She believes that her marketing skills combined with her familiarity with Australia make her an ideal candidate for "The Best Job in the World" - a job that ultimately serves to promote tourism for the islands of the Great Barrier Reef.
On March 3, Tourism Queensland announced the 50 applicants who made it past the first round. Six applicants from the United States were selected, including Crane.
This weekend, Crane, along with the 49 other applicants, is being flown to Los Angeles for a series of press events.
Next week, Tourism Queensland will select 10 finalists.
Voters have the opportunity to watch the top 50 applicants' videos and pick their favorite at: islandreefjob.com/#/shortlisted-applicants.
The applicant who receives the highest number of votes by 11:59 p.m. on March 24 will receive an 11th Wild Card spot, and take part in the final interview event.
Crane said that if she gets the job, she would take a semester off and return to UConn for spring 2010.
Emily.Volz@UConn.edu
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Bill
posted 3/21/09 @ 8:54 AM EST
Check out reviews of the remaining Island caretaker candidates...
I've Got a Golden Ticket
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