Successful Graduates

Stuart Hayward Bachelor of Science (Sports Science) The course was good in that it covered a range of possible career paths through various units. Therefore it showed me which areas I would like to pursue and areas that I would not like to pursue. Teaching physical education is the career path I have chosen as a result of doing this uni course and has qualified me to study a diploma of education and fulfill this choice. Whilst studying towards my degree I was involved in a program called StepUp! in which I volunteered two hours a week to tutor students in science subjects (year 8 science, year 11 Human Biology). I did this for two years in 2001 and 2002. I am currently completing my Diploma of Education with Edith Cowan University with a major in physical education and a minor in science.

Daniella Hanf Bachelor of Science (Environmental Management) Not only did I really enjoy my course but it was highly relevant to my current workplace. Environmental Management is not only a science degree but involves crucial features of environmental management such as social issues, economic shaping, differing human perspectives and of course politics. These things served as a springboard for the knowledge I have gained in the workplace and to help me understand how complications can easily arise. The contacts I made at uni will be beneficial for future study prospects as well as general advice and thought provocation. I work at CALM as the Monkey Mia Reserve Education Officer which involves interpreting the marine environment and aspects of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area to visitors and local people. I work in an amazing place, being on the beach every day and being able to access awesome sites on my days off. I get great satisfaction helping people enjoy and gain knowledge of the area. I work hard to ensure people understand conservation messages and why the area is managed the way it is. I am never bored as the job is so diverse - volunteer management to art activities with school kids, on ground maintenance to liasing with researchers and local stakeholders.

Palanisamy Kamalakannan Master of Information Technology / Graduate Diploma in Information Technology I was working as a Mechanical Engineer in the Oil and Gas sector after graduating in Mechanical Engineering. During my work in Oil refinery, I developed a keen interest in Information Technology and Software Engineering. I realized the importance of Data and Information management. This prompted me to enrol in Edith Cowan University. Initially, I completed Graduate Diploma in Information Technology and continued to complete the Master of Information Technology course. My studies at ECU have helped to perform better at work. The techniques studied in the course have helped me to add significant value to my job and stand apart from my colleagues. The course's practical assignments have been of considerable benefit to me and my workplace. I think that the time and money I invested in my studies have paid back by way of my performance recognition. I am currently employed as Senior Integrity Engineer in one of the fastest growing Liquefied Natural Gas Company in the world namely Ras Gas Company Limited. This is a joint venture of Oil and Gas Giants Qatar Petroleum and EXXON-MOBIL. As Senior Integrity Engineer, my primary tasks are monitoring and improving the reliability and integrity of the plant. Data management, analysis and equipment history data maintenance are part of my daily activity. We use Electronic tools like SAP, RTIS (Real Time Information System), LIMS (Laboratory Information System), EDMS (Electronic Data Management System), IHS (Information Handling system) and our own in-house Document Management system. The units I studied in the Master of Information Technology course at ECU have helped me to maintain and mine relevant equipment data to improve and maintain the reliability and integrity of the plant. The Pressure Relief Valve database is maintained, updated and scheduled by me. I have put to use the knowledge acquired by me at ECU in full use in maintaining the Pressure Relief Valve database that is very critical to the integrity of the plant. I have also created a Database driven website for Integrity Engineering in our intranet. This helped me to deliver accurate and quick information to my internal and external customers on Plant Integrity issues. The aspect of my job, I enjoy most is the design and development of databases for maintaining the plant integrity. The units on Systems and Database design, Applications development and Software design helped me to make a mark in my job and contribute effectively in my job responsibilities. I like these activities due to the interesting way these units were taught at ECU. The tutorials and assignments on these units were effective in creating interest in this subject.

Thojana Gunasingham Bachelor of Science (Communications and Information Technology) I gained entry into my degree via the Australian College of Business and Technology in Sri Lanka. As a student at Edith Cowan University I have hand enormous experiences that have changed my life for the better. ECU gives priority to its students and provided the best facilities possible, including the student megalabs open 24 hours a day to allow students to complete their assignments. My course offered me the flexibility to choose an area of specialisation, in my case computer networking. My studies at ECU instilled into me the confidence to achieve my goals. Currently I am not working within my field of study, however, subjects that I studied have proven relevant and useful.

Connor Farrell Bachelor of Science (Communications and Information Technology) With the objective of expanding my employment opportunities, I entered ECU as a mature age student whilst working in an IT support role, full-time and later part-time. My degree, BSc. (Comms and IT), was a broad-based technology degree providing a solid introduction to all facets of IT. During my course I took particular liking to Project Management and similar management units. This was due in part to the lecturer at the time, Victoria Wilson. Vicky had a flair for making her lectures interesting by frequently translating intricate theoretical concepts into relevant practical scenarios. She gave us a particularly difficult project but it was what I learnt from this that influenced me to choose a career in Project Management. There is no question that my studies at ECU augmented my existing skills making me more marketable to prospective employers.

Dr Gabi Caswell Bachelor of Science (Human Biology) After I completed my Bachelor of Science in Human Biology at ECU I enrolled in a Postgraduate Medical degree at the University of Queensland. The grounding I received in Human Biology and Biomedical Science at ECU was invaluable. It helped me to gain entry to Postgraduate Medicine and it made these studies much easier. I graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery in 2000 and now work with the Cardio-Thoracic team at St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, which is responsible for bypass and thoracic surgery, as well as heart and lung transplants. In 2000, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons accepted my candidature for surgical training and I am currently working towards my primary examinations. My ECU degree was the first important step towards achieving these career goals.

Daymon Joseph Bachelor of Science (Human Biology) I was attracted to the Bachelor of Science in Human Biology at ECU because it was supported by great facilities and energetic, enthusiastic staff. Also, I wanted to obtain a qualification that was practically oriented and would provide me with specific practical skills. My Human Biology degree helped me to win a place in the St John Paramedic School, and prepared me for the medical and social skills that were taught there. I have used my degree to gain entry into a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science and then into a Master of Business Administration degree. I am now a Lecturer teaching Advanced Emergency Care and Anatomy and Physiology associated with Clinical Care to new Paramedics. The Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from ECU got me into St John Ambulance and allowed me to set high goals and tackle new challenges with confidence.

Laurence Vogler Bachelor of Nursing Why I chose nursing I have always had an interest in the health science field. In high school I was an avid reader of any magazines or textbooks that I could get my hands on. In fact, a lot of my spare money was spent crawling around second hand bookshops in Melbourne looking for any books that might have had any relevance to health sciences. The seed for doing nursing was sown in the early 90's when I had some major surgery and spent a couple of weeks in hospital. I was particularly impressed with the male nursing staff that I saw and started contemplating nursing as my vocational choice. Life got in the way after I left hospital and the bills needed to be paid, but I still had nursing in the back of my mind and started doing some research about nursing as a profession and the possibilities that nursing offered. Why I chose ECU's School of Nursing and Public Health to undertake my nursing degree I came to Perth in 1999 with the idea of starting a new life and taking up further studies. The first thing I did was find out which universities offered postgraduate training. Edith Cowan University was the only choice for me once I found out about the purpose built nursing building, vocational specific course, postgraduate degrees offered and extensive research opportunities. What I like about ECU Edith Cowan University has outstanding academic staff. They have recent relevant vocational experience and the support staff are fantastic. If you have a problem at ECU, you have a much better chance of getting it resolved expediently here. Career Path - my hopes for the future... As mentioned above, I have had an interest in the health sciences for some time and nursing to me is an application of these sciences. My long term career path would probably be along the lines of research into better ways of providing nursing care. I feel lucky that I am in the profession because I can see that I can make a valid contribution to nursing research and thus enrich countless lives through my endeavours.

Scott Wesley Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) The course instilled the principles and fundamentals of computer programming and assisted me in applying these principles to application development. My communication skills were vastly improved, and allowed me to learn and progress more in my first three months at work than three years at Uni - however without my experiences at Uni, this would not have been possible. To enhance my employability I took part in the StepUp! peer tutoring program and had a 3 month contract with ECU performing Y2K testing and patching, as well as assisting with the Apple G4 rollout. In my three years at Bunnings I've learnt an amazing amount of technical skills. I enjoy the ability and freedom to investigate how to get the most out of the Oracle database, and refine the application to achieve its potential. Without learning the programming fundamentals at Uni, this would not have been possible. I am now responsible for assisting new graduates with applying the Bunnings standards and guidelines.

Iqbal Khan BSc Software Engineering / MSc Software Engineering After the completion of my BSc (software engineering) from ECU, I have just one more unit to complete my MSc. It is amazing that even before the completion of my degree I got a job in Telstra in my own field. The single unit (CSG 5206) that I did in networking proved heavier over all the rest of the units that I did in about five years of studies at ECU. Purpose of this email is to thank specially Dr.Paul Maj with whom a single unit (networking) that I did, earned me a wonderful job with an above average salary. During the interview session at Telstra, I felt as the interviewers are revising the contents of CSG 5206. I pay my complements to Dr. Paul Maj for his dedications, which are always striving to align the unit material to the industry needs. At the end I appreciate the system of entire ECU that took me out of the 5.86% of unemployed people of WA.

Allan Perriam Bachelor of Nursing Why I chose nursing Great career - helping people, meeting people. A huge number of job opportunities in a number of different areas. Travel, money and the challenge! Why I chose ECU's School of Nursing and Public Health to undertake my nursing degree ECU's reputation as a great practical based university, great campuses, proximity to home. What I like about ECU The best staff - so helpful! Facilities are awesome Great campuses Career Path - my hopes for the future... Paediatrics, travel, invest, retire!

Darren Goodes Bachelor of Nursing Why I chose nursing? I had an accident when I was in the Navy and ended up in hospital. As I watched the nurses looking after me and whilst observing their bedside manner, I said to myself, 'I know I could do a better job' so here I am. Why I chose ECU's School of Nursing and Public Health to undertake my nursing degree Truth be told I started at another university undertaking a Bachelor of Science degree but found out rapidly that that particular course was not for me. I heard that Edith Cowan University had a more 'person to person' focus without the intense science base focus, so I made the change. What I like about ECU Finding a parking spot is not a problem. Not over crowded, a friendly environment in which everyone is approachable. I also like the fact that it is north of the river as it's close to home. Career Path - my hopes for the future... Initially pass (crossing all fingers and toes)! Obtain a second year graduation program hopefully at Royal Perth Hospital then afterwards apply to get back in to the Defense Force as a Nursing Officer. It won't stop here as there are more courses to follow...

Sarah Ayton Bachelor of Nursing Why I chose nursing Because I wanted to work in a profession where I could help people and feel proud about what I an doing. So there is no better job that would enable me to feel this way. Why I chose ECU's School of Nursing and Public Health As a school leaver it was communicated that there was strong correlation between the ECU Bachelor of Nursing course and a practical basis, which seemed obvious considering nursing is very hands on. What I like about ECU That I know at the end of my degree I would have achieved so much more than a Bachelor of Nursing... Things like knowledge, confidence, opportunities and a great time. Career Path - my hopes for the future Be a nurse and a good one.

Les Bruse Bachelor of Nursing Why I chose nursing Career opportunities and the chance to help people. Why I chose ECU's School of Nursing and Public Health to undertake my nursing degree They were the most helpful when I was first making enquiries into which University was going to be the best for me. What I like about ECU The staff are all helpful and approachable. Career Path - my hopes for the future... Eventually I would like to travel around Australia and become a nurse practitioner.

Sarah Mwangi Bachelor of Nursing Why I chose nursing? I have a passion for helping and caring for people. Why I chose ECU's School of Nursing and Public Health to undertake my nursing degree After attending a seminar with Edith Cowan University representatives in Kenya, I chose ECU from the Universities. What I like about ECU? Students are supported well and staff are friendly. The program is suitable for me allowing me to have time for other things in my life. Career Path - my hopes for the future... To be a midwife

Evangeline Maina Bachelor of Nursing Why I chose Nursing Passionate about the nursing career and assisting people with health problems. Why I chose ECU's School of Nursing and Public Health to undertake my nursing degree The offer was very appealing. The School was willing to acknowledge my previous studies, therefore giving me exemptions in some units. What I like about ECU? The Nursing program is very flexible and all staff are very friendly. Career Path - my hopes for the future... Pursue a postgraduate degree at Edith Cowan University in the future.

Faye Padmore Bachelor of Science (Sports Science) I have been working for Prime Health Group as a Health and Wellness Coordinator (HWC) for the past 2 years. In that time I have been located at two very different mining camps - one in the middle of nowhere out of Tom Price, and my current location, Wickham. As a HWC my job is so varied and fun! In the past year I have organised Shave for a Cure events, a Ball, Beach Day and several other fundraisers. I run fitness classes every day of the week and also spend time on site at Cape Lambert, Pilbara Iron educating employees about various health and lifestyle issues. Being part of the sports industry is so interesting as there are always changes and updates, new research and courses to attend. I was lucky enough to have assistance from my employer and Pilbara Iron to attend Network 05 in Melbourne last year. Studying Sport Science gave me great confidence to search for a job 'outside the box' and working at ECU Sports during my degree helped me cement my learning. I am now completing my Masters of Strength and Conditioning through ECU online.

Leanne Campbell Bachelor of Science (Sports Science) I really enjoyed Sports Science. I picked up several casual positions related to my degree. I wish to become an Exercise Physiologist so to further my chances of gaining a good job I have decided to go on and do a Masters degree and thus far have enjoyed it.

William McGlue Graduate Certificate in Information Technology The Graduate Certificate in Information Technology broadened my knowledge in computer software use, espcially photoshop. Since graduating in 2002 I am now employed full-time within my field of study.

Jeff Campbell Bachelor of Science Honours (Computer Science) During my final semester I started to think about doing honours as there wasn't a lot in the way of IT jobs. I should point out that at this stage I was still a little sceptical about the value of completing an extra year of study. After finishing the semester and enrolling in honours I started looking for a job in earnest. The assessment centres were an eye opener in terms of qualifications of the people attending. The minimum qualification was at least honours, with a majority holding either double degree or masters. I was successful in gaining a position at Centrelink, and was assigned to work in one of their application development teams in Canberra. I had competed for one of 80 positions available with 1400 other applicants. Had I not been completing my honours year I would not have met the requirements of the selection criteria. Despite the Centrelink job I applied for a graduate position with the Department of Education, Science and Training. I was interviewed in Canberra, and later made an early offer of employment even though the selection process hadn't been finalised. I was one of 20 successful applicants from a pool of 1200 applications. The starting salary was to be $35,000, however, I decided to negotiate with them and was able to negotiate a starting salary of $45,000 and travel expenses to Canberra. Again the only reason I was able to do this was because I was completing an honour year, which gave me greater bargaining power than someone with just an undergraduate degree. The standard of applicants now applying for jobs is very high and the only thing that distinguishes you from the rest of the pack is the fact that you have gone the extra mile and completed an honours year.

Amit Sethi Bachelor of Science (Software Engineering) I came to ECU as an international student and I found the experience challenging and rewarding. All our instructors had industry experience which ensure what we were being taught was current. To enhance my employability I undertook volunteer/work experience activities. I participated in the StepUp! Peer Tutoring Program which involved assisting teachers at the Mt Lawley High School in Oracle training for years 11 and 12. I also helped with the ATAS Programs for Indigenous Australians. I am now working full-time as a programmer involved in developing websites, database management and administration, and IT support.

David Walker Bachelor of Science (Sports Science) My Sports Science course enabled me to be accepted into my current course of study, being a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) majoring in Physical Education and minoring in Science. It was always my intention to become a teacher and my sports science degree has added so much relevant knowledge. To further my career prospects I undertook cricket umpiring, volutneered as a walk leader for the City of Joondalup, acted as a guest speaker at a High School, plus did some work experience and tutoring (StepUp! Program) at schools and helped out at a Science Fair (TripleS) and with a 3-day Science program (ECU Siemens Science Experience).

Gino Ferreri Bachelor of Science (Security) After serving 14 years with the Australian Army, Special Air Service and 9 years with the WA Police Tactical Response Group I decided on a new career as a security manager. In 1999 I decured a position as a Security and Risk Management Officer with the WA Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). In order to acquire a more rounded background in security, I decided to complete the Bachelor of Science (Security) degree at Edith Cowan University. The university course work enabled me to redirect my considerable knowledge and experience into developing an imaginative and very comprehensive security program for the ACC. The ACC has no precedent in Western Autralia, therefore numerous problems crop up all the time that need to be understood before a solution can be attempted. The project work requires me to study these problems to determine the true causes and to identify the range of possible solutions. The analytical skills that I learn at ECU have enabled me to do this quite successfully. Project work represents the most interesting part of the work as it enables me to use my experience and knowledge to create new concepts. I suppose that the creative process of work is what keeps my interest alive.

Robert Browne-Cooper Bachelor of Science (Biological Science) My primary goal was to graduate with a degree in Biological Science, which I did! It helped me to gain employment at the Perth Zoo as a Zoo Keeper (for eight years). The course really enhanced my knowledge/thinking in science/biological science. Whilst studying I volunteered as a wildlife carer with the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM). I am now studying towards becoming a science teacher.

Hang Hoang Bachelor of Technology (Applied and Analytical Chemistry) My course helped me to be able to get the job of my dreams. Science is wide ranging, I can get a job anywhere I like. I work as a process control lab technician with Cadbury Schweppes, responsible for syrup testing, water treatment, quality control and laboratory keeping.

Janelle Cleary Bachelor of Science (Sports Science) My course helped me to get a job teaching physical education in a private school in the metropolitan area which is what my goal was. I am part-time (80%) this year but full-time from 2004. Doing practicum's really helped me get ready with resources and seeing what other schools do. Great experience and ideas. To enhance my future employability I went on school camps (outdoor ed.) Great fun and good experience. Worked in the sports industry teaching swimming lessons and did work for surf lifesaving, teaching courses and beach activities. I am the only physical education teacher at our school making me the sports specialist, responsible for organising all events and carnivals associated with sports. This is pretty full on! I most enjoy the camps and carnivals with the high school students (my school teaches years 1-10), but seeing the little ones faces when you taken them for sport is pretty cool.

Jason Cord Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) Completing the Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) degree at ECU has given me the qualifications necessary to work within the IT industry, and provided me with a solid foundation to achieve my long term career goals. During the my second year mid-semester break at ECU I completed a four week work experience program with ECU. This involved planning and implementing an audit of printers at all ECU campuses throughout Perth. As a result of this program, I was offered a job with ECU supervising a student computer laboratory. I work with a team of about 20 software engineers and programmers on our company's suite of software products. In my position I perform peer reviews, low level module testing, code debugging, along with designing and implementing software solutions. The most enjoyable part of my job is taking and idea and turning it into reality.

Bryan Garnett-Law Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) My degree has proved highly relevant and useful since joining the workforce in 1998. My degree taught me skills in programming, project management, research, database development and the odd bit of user interface knowledge and graphics. During my final year I was awarded a CEED project, this project gave me an enormous confidence boost, in particular with developing and designing web sites. It was ultimately this project which lead me to where I am today, Web Manager for the Faculty of Computing, Health and Science at ECU. During my final semester I was lucky enough to be employed by two employers on a part-time basis. I was employed again by my Faculty to redesign their website, and by Guerilla Interactive as a web programmer. More recently I have tutored within the School of Computer and Information Science in the Internet Computing area. This experience has proven very rewarding, none more so than seeing several of my own students employed by the very same school upon graduation. A great course, thoroughly recommend it to everyone.

Michelle Conway Bachelor of Science (Human Biology) I completed the year as a pre-requisite for a course at Curtin University (Dental Hygiene) which I have been accepted into this year (2004). I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at ECU and the I am so glad that my very first year of University was with ECU. Thank you for a memorable experience

Ken Newall Bachelor of Science (Human Biology) I commenced my study at ECU in 1996 and at the age of 39 following encouragement to do so by a workmate. I chose ECU for my study as I felt it was a university that was willing to operate outside the box, and assist mature age students in any way they could. My beliefs proved correct. I carried out a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. As part of my degree I left my employment with St John Ambulance and travelled to Maine in the USA on a student exchange program through ECU. This was a fabulous experience that I would recommend to any student considering it. On completing my degree in 2000, I returned to employment with St John Ambulance. Since that time and very much owing to the study I completed at ECU, I have received a number of promotions. The culmination of this program came in October 2003 when I became Training Director for St John Ambulance. During 2003, and in conjunction with the ECU School Biomedical & Sports Science, I was able to play a part in the formation of the Bachelor of Paramedic Science Degree. This degree commenced in semester one 2004 as a partnership between SJAA and ECU. In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed my time studying with ECU and now look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with the university through the Bachelor of Paramedic Science Program.

Fadi Ma'Ayah PhD (Sports Science) This course was something I wanted to do as a long term goal. I finished by Bachelor degree in 1989, I always wanted to finish my doctorate and finally did thanks to ECU. I am a soccer coach and physical education teacher. I love and enjoy teaching and coaching soccer. I have a positive approach with young students and that helped me to motivate them to give their best all of the time. The enjoyment in coaching for me is not just about skills, fitness and tactics, it is about man management and letting players believe in themselves and play to the best of their ability especially under pressure.

Phil Wharram Master of Occupational Safety and Health I started in the mining industry around 1990 following a successful 9 years with the Royal Australian Air Force as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. I was working as a Fitter and Welder on a Gold Mine near Leinster in WA. After experiencing safety and health in the Mining Industry first hand or more to the point lack of, I took a great interest in Occupational Safety and Health. I decided on enrolling with ECU to enhance my undergraduate studies in this area which was all that seemed to be available at the time. I had already been in an OHS position some 5 years when I embarked on a 7 year study program (all externally while working full time) to a Master (completed in November 2001) and was a very enjoyable and rewarding experience, not only academically but also personally and professionally. I had a terrific supervisor in the Masters Program who became a friend and person whom I respected immensely. I found ECU to be a university that had staff who really wanted their students to succeed providing the student was willing to work hard, with passion and where effort was rewarded. I have reached the highest level in a any company I can go in my profession and my future plans are to attempt enrolment again and complete a PhD. I have attempted to enrol in a PhD some 18 months ago but was unsuccessful. The proposed research I would like to do is; to research and develop "A Best Practice Model in Contractor Management", and following this hopefully to research and hopefully find an impairment level for THC that can be quantified and qualified. My current employer is Minara Resources and my position is HSEQ Manager. My portfolio includes the following departments Health & Safety, Environment, Training, Quality, Emergency Response, Security and 4 Pastoral Stations.

Natalie Bombak Master of Occupational Safety and Health I completed the Graduate Certificate in OSH and went on to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in OSH from 2002 to 2004. I initially chose to study as ECU as it offered my chosen course by external studies, which made it easy for me to complete whilst working full time in the profession. Initially I fell into my chosen area by accident. I studied Industrial Relations in my undergraduate degree and found that OSH was an interest of mine through assignments and group exercises. I read the course information from ECU, I decided it was something that I wished to pursue further, and the ability to complete this in my own time and at my own pace was excellent. The knowledge I gained from my course has been invaluable and allowed me to progress to my current position within a relatively short time frame. I am currently the National Occupational Safety and Health Manager for Peters & Brownes, which is an extremely diverse role, including almost all processes from cow to counter, and everywhere in between!

Anne-Marie Widermanski Master of Occupational Safety and Health I chose ECU’s Master because the occupational safety and health program was available by distance mode, the content was a sound preparation for practice leading to a role in management of workplace safety, and the assignment tasks were applicable to the workplace. I found ECU staff supportive and very encouraging and have developed valued friendships. I believe my learning experience and the challenge to continue my development has helped me secure interesting positions in the mining industry.

Norm Harrison Postgraduate Certificate in Emergency Management ECU provided the most suitable programme for my study areas and was extremely well advanced in “emerging” topics. As a mature age student I was very impressed and encouraged by their contact. Qualifications have greatly assisted with work roles of strengthening emergency management across Defence.

Meredith "Lynne" Brodie Master of Occupational Safety and Health Having worked in the occupational health arena over the last 14 years I realised that it was a specialty area which was largely misunderstood – "You’re a first aider in Industry" – and also lacking in the professional recognition it deserves. I undertook the Master course with ECU after researching various institutions for the practical and academic components to see which would best put my needs in a building a professional practice and blending/supporting allied occupational health expertise. Personally as a full time employee and mother I didn’t want to undertake units which I felt did not have a practical application, I also wanted to ensure supports were available from the teaching staff if I needed them, ECU fulfilled my needs. Since obtaining the Master, it has opened my professional options and ability to confidently multi-skill in all the various components of occupational health and safety.

Patricia Rogers Post Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies and Master of Public Health In 2001, after a year of working and living on our small farm in the country I decided I wanted to fulfil my desire to go back to Uni, now that both children were at Primary School. I loved my previous course (ECU PG Dip Arts) but with some market research into my new residential location, I decided that to work with Noongar people I would be better off moving into another study area. I hence spent two years studying a Post Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies. I loved this course of study and did very well even though I was studying as an external student. ECU provides excellent services for those of us off campus. Library and study books arrived promptly and all my unit coordinators were of a very high standard and I developed quite a rapport with them even though my only contact was by email and telephone. I excelled doing the above studies so I decided I wanted to go further, do a second major in health promotion and complete a Masters in Public Health. Again, I studied part time to fit in with my commitments as a mother, working on local community committees and on our small farm. My partner was (and still is) running his successful consulting business and often needed to be away for up to two weeks at a time on frequent periods. Again I loved the study and was so happy to have chosen ECU as my University after speaking to other off campus students who have studied through other university’s. They used to often complain about the poor service from their respective Uni’s and all I had was positive things to say. Even when I did have problems with my off campus exam venue (not the fault of the Uni), ECU accommodated me very well by changing both my supervisor and venue by the time of the next exams. Students from other Uni’s were not provided this service when they had similar complaints. The Public Health Unit in Albany has shown an interest in putting my research proposal from my study into action. Hopefully this will eventuate in the not too distant future. My passion is for the wider community to benefit from the knowledge that healthy nutrition and regular exercise, along with other aspects of a good lifestyle, are made possible for all to experience. Brief interventions have shown to be successful in the addictions field in enabling participants to give up alcohol and other drugs. I believe that such interventions can also be used in the nutrition and exercise field as well with the same amount of success. We moved to Albany early this year after my graduation last year. This was for several reasons. One, being the travel involved for both my children’s sporting events and also for their inclusion into the Primary Extension and Challenge Programs (courses for gifted and talented children). The other was for greater work opportunities for me. In Albany we would have family support for me to work when my husband goes away on work trips. I am currently employed as both a personal and research assistant for a recreational consultancy firm. Both the skills and knowledge I have learnt through my university studies are serving me very well in this extremely interesting and well paid position in the private sector.

Greg Spicer Graduate Certificate in Environmental Health and Master of Public Health After being out of the university system for some 15 years, I had much trepidation about undertaking postgraduate studies. This trepidation was short lived, and I soon found myself immersed in concepts that complimented my professional life and provided skills and knowledge to appreciate global issues that impact on environmental health. The course units whilst challenging, are well balanced, contemporary and delivered in flexible formats. I have completed the Graduate Certificate Environmental Health, Postgraduate Diploma and am currently enrolled in the Master of Public Health. The extra skills and knowledge combined with my experiences has led to varying opportunities including sessional work with the University, and job offers from other Local Authorities.

Jonathan Rafols Postgraduate Certificate in Health Service Management I chose to study Health Services Administration at ECU because it offered a flexible course structure which enabled me to combine full time work and part time study. The course had direct relevance to my work as a health sector employee which meant I could immediately put into practice concepts I had learned in the course. Also, in talking to people within the health industry I was made aware that the courses offered at ECU had a good reputation. I was also aware that ECU had developed an excellent working relationship with a number of health services in WA. My experience at ECU was thoroughly rewarding both in terms of the learning objectives I achieved and in the networks I developed. I hope to further my postgraduate studies soon by enrolling in the Masters program at ECU.

Dr Rowan Davidson Postgraduate Certificate in Health Services Management and Masters in Health Services Management I began my journey into health services management as a clinician manager with a need to fast-track understanding of the processes and to be able to “talk the talk” with health managers! I was attracted by the taster of the postgraduate certificate in health services management with the promise of a practical, applied understanding and set of skills in business management, for the peculiar and fascinating area of health services. I got it in spades and was so encouraged I went on to the Masters in Health Services Management still as an external student. It is isolated from the university life but the trade off of being able to manage your own time work, when you have the support from the well presented, contemporary, relevant content of the course and the support of the very understanding tutors, course supervisor and faculty staff (God bless them one and all). I did progress in roles within the Health Department to Acting General Manager of Public Health and the Masters course was also a major contributor to obtaining a place in the Senior Managers Program (health) with the Kings Fund in the UK and a secondment to the Commission for Health Improvement (UK). I now feel I have a solid base of understanding for the issues and responses in health services management and this has supported me very well in my more recent role as Chief Psychiatrist in Western Australia. When you finally have to “walk the walk” (no reference dear tutors), you can feel confident the health services management course will have prepared and equipped you well to deal with that which will come at you!

Rosemary Williams Master of Occupational Safety and Health I commenced the Master of Occupational Safety and Health, in 2001 and completed it in 2003. The major reason that I undertook my Masters in Health Science at ECU was because of the flexible study options offered by ECU. The external mode of study was what I required to further my qualifications in my chosen field of study while working full time in the occupational health and safety area. The communication with my supervisor was supporting and encouraging and helped me to maintain my motivation. I am currently employed as Manager, Injury Risk Management Department in an Adelaide public hospital which offers a diverse range of health services to the southern Adelaide region. My position, as manager of the multidisciplinary team, requires the application of knowledge and skills acquired through the ECU course to support the health and safety of staff working within the health service.

© 2008 ECU - Disclaimer - Feedback - CRICOS Institution Provider Code 00279B
http://www.chs.ecu.edu.au/courses/graduates/showall.php updated March 17, 2008 15:09