My final capstone subject centred around a research paper on intergenerational unemployment, facilitated by Mission Australia.
For me, this was a major highlight as I was able to review and analyse real-life, current-time data of matters concerning people within my own demographic.
Why did you choose to study Social and Political Sciences (previously Social Inquiry) at UTS?
Social Inquiry stood out to me as a graduating high school student as it galvanized and challenged the pre-existing questions, norms and ideas I had about the world around me. With a strong interest in politics (and anthropology), social inquiry provided me with knowledge of how policies are developed and implemented – a lesson that informs not only my current Masters of International Relations (at the Australian National University) but in all aspects of my professional life – past and present.
Looking back, what were some of the highlights of your degree?
My final capstone subject centred around a research paper on intergenerational unemployment, facilitated by Mission Australia. For me, this was a major highlight as I was able to review and analyse real-life, current-time data of matters concerning people within my own demographic. Simultaneously, working for a leading organisation in Australia was an invaluable experience as well as simply enjoying the ‘9-5’, office lifestyle for the first time.
You’re currently working for Reconciliation Australia. What is your role and what does it involve?
I work under the Policy, Research and Government Affairs (PRaGA) sector of Reconciliation Australia, based in Canberra. Currently, I am the Communications Officer for the Indigenous Governance Program – a program that stemmed from the Indigenous Governance Awards: national awards (ran every two years) that highlights successes in Indigenous Australia – strong leadership, good management, effective partnerships and creative thinking. We are in the process of developing a national network where applicants, finalists, winners, mainstream businesses, government bodies and policy makers can liaise to discuss the best forms of governance within the country. Analytical writing; interviewing and data analysis – all skills I learned at UTS have assisted me within this line of work.
What advice would you give to students thinking about a career in the policy, research or NGO areas?
Don’t give up! Sometimes it is easy to be disillusioned within this line of work, but always remember why you’re doing it.
