ALUMNI SUCCESS IN FOCUS

Favourite UniSA memory: Being involved in tutoring of younger Aboriginal people who were going through the Aboriginal Task Force at that time. With some guidance and confidence, these kids could do the work required of them and in some cases they could be much better than they thought they were, just by having discipline, rigour and a process to follow.

Inspiration: I have to thank a number of people who gave me various opportunities at various times as they knew there was a bigger picture, and so they gave me their time and encouragement freely.

When I grow up: A police officer, which I was for 20 years, before embarking on a business degree and then a business career.

Career highlight: Starting my first business and getting my first consulting project, which involved working in North Queensland and travelling through the Torres Strait Islands providing professional advice to clients.

Favourite UniSA memory: All the great people I met during evening classes for my Postgraduate Certificate in Business Marketing. We were all in the same boat, working full-time while trying to complete assignments and balance other life commitments. That required a good sense of humour and a commitment to teamwork, and the group I was in had that in spades.

Inspiration: Music, movies, humour, nature and my family.

When I grow up: I had a long list of things that I wanted to be; actor, musician, author, etc – but the thing that consistently came top of that list is something that I have actually grown up to become, a cartoonist (www.cartoonsbyjim.com).

Career highlight: Definitely my current role as Communications Manager for Microsoft New Zealand. It’s been an incredibly exciting time to work for the company over the past two years. 

Also, the experience of being my own boss has been so worthwhile and has taught me a lot of skills that I now use across my whole life. 

Favourite UniSA memory: The International Exchange Study Program – I spent a year studying in Scotland, experiencing a different learning environment and making friends from around the world. It gave me a new perspective on life and education.

Inspiration: My passion for travel and to experience new environments, and a variety of job roles within the accounting profession, has ultimately led me to where I am today. I’ve always been self-motivated and driven to succeed no matter what I’m working on, which client I’m assisting or where I am in the world.

When I grow up: After a family vacation to America at age nine and a visit to Sea World Orlando Florida, I wanted to be a marine biologist and work with dolphins and killer whales. That idea was thwarted early on in high school when I realised I didn’t care all that much for the sciences.

Career highlight: Definitely moving to London to live and work. Four years and counting.

Favourite UniSA memory: Seeing the transformation of the Mawson Lakes campus from barren land to a thriving township. I vividly recall chatting with a group of friends outside the F building and seeing tumbleweed rolling across the path in front of us… just like a Bugs Bunny cartoon!

Inspiration: The founders of new disruptive technologies have been inspiring as it takes courage for professionals to successfully break the traditional realms of ‘employment’ to become an entrepreneur and develop new products/services.

When I grow up: I didn’t really know what I wanted to do for a living, until I mentioned to my program director that I would like to try being a ‘consultant’… to which he replied sternly ‘you need diverse industry experience’. I have always kept that in mind. 

Career highlight: I’ve been fortunate to travel the world and meet like-minded peers to establish a valuable global network, in addition to having opportunities to meet and hear the stories of success and failure from global CEOs, with the most recent being Brian Chesky of Airbnb.

Favourite UniSA memory: Going on camp for our Health and Physical Education subject with Wendy Piltz. It was a great week down at Moana practising teaching aquatic activities and getting to know all of the other students in my course.

Inspiration: Seeing people succeed at something they have worked hard for. I love seeing people succeed at things they are passionate about, especially if it has taken a lot of hard work and perseverance. It makes me want to strive to achieve all that I can. 

When I grow up: I have always wanted to be a teacher, as both my parents were passionate teachers and loved their jobs. 

Career highlight: My career highlight so far would be umpiring my first SANFL Seniors game and being offered the scholarship to be part of the AFL Female Field Umpire Pathway. 

Read more alumni success stories at the Alumni Network website.