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I recently completed a Bachelor of Communications and Media and Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing and Digital Media. Having grown up in the Illawarra, attending the University of Wollongong was a natural choice. Its proximity to my family and friends, combined with the invaluable support from the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC), and the enticing university facilities only further motivated my decision.
As a Bundjalung woman living on Dharawal land, I did not know much about my Indigenous heritage, and often felt disconnected from culture. However, my involvement with (WIC) and participation in Careertrackers helped me to establish a support network, whilst enhancing my cultural knowledge and understanding through mentorships.
Although my initial aspiration was to become a sports journalist, my career path took a sudden turn, leading me to complete numerous internships at Salesforce and Qantas Airways in marketing. This hands-on experience has cemented my desire for a career in marketing, specifically copywriting, whilst also equipping me with the necessary skills for my current role as a marketing specialist, where I am also the primary copywriter for the Australian branch.
A highlight of my time at UOW has been contributing graduation articles and student success stories for WIC. Seeing other First Nations students excel in their fields has inspired me to further develop my skills, and step outside of my comfort zone.
During my studies, my friends and I also made sure to maximise the use of facilities available in Building 29, experimenting with various platforms and technologies, pushing our creative freedom, and cultivating a valuable set of skills I am now able to bring to my professional role.
Navigating the challenges of online study during Covid was a significant issue I faced during my time at university. However, the ongoing support from WIC through phone calls, messages and care packs proved instrumental during these times. As one of the first in my family to attend university, I also had limited guidance and knowledge of how to approach it, and I am grateful to have been able to turn to WIC for direction and assistance, especially during moments of academic pressure.
My advice to future and current students is to make the most of your time and freedom at university, by getting involved as much as you can without overdoing it. Completing internships through Careertrackers in my final years was pivotal in obtaining necessary experience and connections. Furthermore, engaging with WIC as a content writer allowed me to push myself and further solidified my ambitions of a career in copywriting. Finally, I strongly encourage students to not be afraid to ask for help. The support from WIC was fundamental when navigating those difficult times, offering guidance and a consistent willingness for a chat whenever needed.