Golden opportunities come easy for new members

By Sonia Gentile

Published 22 July 2008

The new members induction was an exciting night for all involved.

It was a chance to be acknowledged for intellectual achievements and drive and to meet the top students from all the different schools of study, but for one new member, the few minutes it took to fill in an application form gave her 100 other reasons to enjoy the night.

Vanessa Wong finished studying a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mathematics and Computer Modelling at Mawson Lakes in 2007, and became a Golden Key member in 2008 after she graduated.

The 20-year-old dragon boat racer, who likes to be creative, watch movies in her pyjamas and go on holidays, now works permanent full-time for SMS Management and Technology as a consultant analyst and programmer.

Vanessa is proof that Golden Key members go on to be successful in whatever they do, her dedication and hard work has paid off and she now works with Australia's elite.

'I have been contracted out to the Defence Science and Technology Organisation since I graduated and my contract has just been renewed. I work for the Modelling and Simulation Group of Weapons Systems Division. At the moment, I am basically modelling missiles, but I can't tell you much more than that,' Vanessa said.

Vanessa was awarded the New Member Scholarship worth $100 and was pleasantly surprised when she found out she had won.

'I'm not exactly sure how I came to win it actually. Although at the new member induction ceremony when it was presented to me, I gathered it was because of the other awards and extracurricular activities that I had mentioned when I registered with Golden Key, since some of them were read out - lucky me.'

Vanessa said she didn't even know she was applying for the award or that there was a new member scholarship but advised that everyone should apply.

'I guess (I was awarded the scholarship) because I took the time to fill in my member profile when I registered…it takes no effort whatsoever. As long as you fill in all the fields when you register as a new member.'

Although Vanessa has now finished university she has still benefited from joining Golden Key.

She said, 'the many scholarships Golden Key offers in a wide range of disciplines, the ability to network worldwide with like-minded others, and the leadership and other opportunities that Golden Key supports,' were the best things about being part of the society.