Student Spotlight: Ella’s Path From Bachelor Student to Content Creator
Studying from Adelaide and already running two thriving content businesses, Ella is the perfect example of what it looks like to turn your studies into real-world momentum. Currently completing her Bachelor of Communications & Media entirely online, she’s using the flexibility of TFI’s learning model to build a portfolio, book clients, and shape a career that’s already taking off. From weddings to fashion shoots to major industry names like Paolo Sebastian, Ella is proof that when students apply what they learn at TFI, they move fast - and they move with purpose. This is her story.
You’re based in Adelaide and studying entirely online - what made you choose TFI, and how has online study worked for you?
I’m studying a Bachelor of Communications and Media, and honestly, I found TFI through Instagram. I had a good old stalk and was instantly drawn to how trend-forward and industry-relevant everything felt. It didn’t look like a traditional, outdated course; it looked like something that actually lined up with the kind of work I wanted to do.
I actually wanted to see the college before I enrolled, so my partner and I took a trip to Sydney for the open day. I instantly knew, YES. Everyone was so lovely, the space was beautiful, and it just felt right. I walked out knowing this was exactly what I wanted to do for the next two years. And the fact that it’s a two-year bachelor's course? Super quick. Sign me up.
Even though I’m based in Adelaide and studying entirely online, it’s worked so well for me. The flexibility has been a huge part of why I’ve been able to build my businesses at the same time. The content is practical and easy to apply in real client work, and the teachers are super supportive, especially when they know you’re already working towards your career.
Choosing TFI just made sense; it felt aligned with where the industry is heading, and it’s given me the space to grow while still having structure and guidance behind me.
You launched IrisHaus + Loved by Iris while still studying. What inspired you to start building a business so early in your course?
When I started at TFI, I quickly discovered so many amazing opportunities within the industry, ones I never even knew existed before. It honestly felt overwhelming at first because every career path seemed exciting and aligned with who I am, and I wasn’t sure which direction I wanted to follow.
Around the middle of my course, I found myself really drawn to content creation, and I started receiving grades I didn’t even know I was capable of getting (haha). Being online made things a bit challenging because I’m such a hands-on learner, and I was eager to apply everything I was learning in real life. That’s why I started building my businesses and creating content for weddings and brands so early on, I couldn’t wait to take what I was learning and bring it into the real world.
I was also really inspired by the girls in my course who were putting themselves out there and pursuing opportunities while studying. It motivated me to do the same.
How has your studies at TFI helped you in real client work?
Oh, in so many ways. I’ve learned how to communicate professionally, plan and understand exactly what a client needs from me.
I’ve also learnt how to structure my ideas, create strong concepts and present them in a way that feels confident and polished. Even things like understanding brand identity, run sheets, and how to capture content with intention rather than just filming randomly, all came from TFI.
The course also helped me understand how to pitch myself properly, build relationships and actually back myself when walking into new gigs. I am consistently presenting online, and I gained a whole new presentation identity (fake it till you make it), it really helped with my presentation skills and talking in front of people, which I need for running my own business. So even though I was doing real client work early, everything I learnt at TFI gave me the skills to show up prepared and deliver work I’m proud of.
What’s been your biggest “I can actually do this” moment since starting your content businesses?
Love this question. My biggest moment was when I thought, “Wait… I can actually do this.” That moment happened when I got to create BTS content for the incredible Paolo Sebastian. I spent the whole shoot day creating reels, BTS footage, and photos, and then sent everything back in a Dropbox folder.
One of the girls replied, saying, “Paul is obsessed with the content.” PAUL. PAUL is obsessed with my content. That was a total pinch-me moment. And now he’s invited me back for another shoot day, which is absolutely insane!
What skills or industry insights from TFI have made the biggest difference in how you create, pitch or work with clients?
I feel like there are so many skills I could list, but a few definitely stand out. One of the biggest things I’ve learned at TFI is how to promote myself and my work properly. Even with content creation, I’ve learned how to create a strong hook and structure my content in a way that actually grabs attention.
I also learned how to attract clients organically, rather than feeling like I have to force anything. Hearing from the teachers about where they started and how they built their careers has been such a huge insight, too. It showed me that so much of this industry is about putting yourself out there and saying yes to opportunities.
Balancing study, running shoots, working with clients and growing a brand is a lot - how do you manage it and what's your best tips?
Yes, it is a lot. I’ve definitely learnt over time how to manage everything. The online course is quite flexible, and if your teachers know you’re working towards your career, they’re very lenient. Being online means I have two full days at home and, even though they’re technically my study days, I can still get through emails, create content, and smash out admin. Life can get busy with everything in between, but if you’re passionate and really want it, you’ll always find a way to make it work.
The best tip I can give is setting out your week or month of what you have, so all my assessments are in my mind when I have busy content weeks, so I can plan ahead and smash them out before I get overwhelmed with content and study.
What do you wish more people understood about studying marketing/content creation through a modern, industry-led course like the one at TFI?
I wouldn’t have gained the knowledge and experience anywhere else, seriously. Every other course I looked at had irrelevant topics and felt super behind for this modern day and age. I’m going to be honest, I hate studying, I am not a study girl, but this course couldn’t have been more perfect for me. It’s relevant, it’s current, and it actually reflects what’s happening in the industry right now, which really intrigued me and made me want to learn more.
What I wish people understood is that studying marketing and content creation this way is completely different from a traditional course. You’re learning from people who actually work in the industry, who know the trends, the tools, the platforms, and the realities of the job. It’s practical, and you leave with skills you can use immediately — not just theories in a textbook.
It teaches you how to build a career, not just pass assignments. And for someone like me, who wanted to get out there and start working with real clients early, that made all the difference.
For future students who want to work in content or start their own business, what’s your best advice?
Just start. You have nothing to lose - you only have so many learnings to gain. No matter what you do, as long as you stay consistent and keep putting yourself out there, you will grow. Don’t wait until you feel “ready,” because you’ll never feel 100% ready. The best way to learn is by doing.
Say yes to opportunities, even the small ones, because they open doors. My biggest thing was just reaching out, emailing any business you want to work with, any brand you want to work with. What do you have to lose? They say no? And you go on to the next. I really, really encourage people to just reach out. And also, everyone you look up to started exactly where you are now.
Lastly; what are you excited to build next - either with Iris Haus or your career in general?
I’m so excited to keep learning from the amazing people in this industry. I want to keep building and growing my businesses, but I’d also love to step into a team environment where I can learn from others and expand my skills even more. I feel like I’m only just getting started, and there’s so much ahead that I’m excited to create.