Campus: UOW Shoalhaven
Degree undertaken: Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
Year graduated: 2013
INTIMATE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
The smaller class size and good tutors at UOW Shoalhaven provided great learning outcomes. We were a tight-knit group with a couple of mature age students from different career backgrounds, including local working accountants who were looking to further their skills. It wasn't the typical university experience you’d imagine when leaving high school but was a great experience for me.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
I love to give back to the community. As part-owner of an accounting firm, I enjoy my clients and the local businesses that we work with, from law firms to HR specialists. It's just great to be part of the business community and coming to work here is so enjoyable that sometimes it doesn't feel like you're giving back at all.
NURTURING THE LOCAL WORKFORCE
As the treasurer of the Shoalhaven Professional Business Association, we are trying to maintain, attract and retain staff in the region, and give them more career opportunities and skills. For the last nine years, we've been running a mentor program at the UOW Shoalhaven campus that partners young professionals with business leaders on a structured six-month program.
FUTURE OF REGIONAL CAMPUSES
I think campuses in regional areas should be considered an essential service. They need to continue to stay open, and to offer an array of courses for people to undertake locally. I’d like to see regional campuses continue to work with local businesses and schools to connect and create pathways for students.