July 20, 2017

The world is her oyster

Local graduate and Dean’s Scholar embarks on next career adventure

Chelsea Murray has the world at her feet. The Figtree local has an impressive academic and professional resume and flies to Germany next week to embark on her next career adventure, undertaking a traineeship with the European Central Bank before returning next year to take on a role with the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Chelsea is graduating from the University of Wollongong (UOW) as an Honours student with a Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance degree and is a Dean’s Scholar, a title awarded to a select few students with high academic achievement and which offers access to mentoring and leadership opportunities. Chelsea has also been selected to deliver the vote of thanks at her graduation celebration (Thursday 20 July).

“It’s an honour to be asked to deliver the vote of thanks. Studying maths at UOW was the best decision I could have made. The academic and work experience opportunities have been phenomenal and I’ve learnt so much, including about myself,” Chelsea said.

At just 23, Chelsea already has significant work experience to complement her degree. She completed the UOW Management Cadetship, a program which pairs full-time work with part-time study, giving students the opportunity to work in a professional environment while studying and designed to optimise their employability.

Chelsea has also taken advantage of opportunities available at UOW to expand her learning through overseas placements, having completed two stints in the United Kingdom, at the University of Exeter and the London School of Economics.

“Being able to study overseas was a fantastic experience. University isn’t just about academic learning. Living independently half way across the world in a new culture and environment pushes you out of your comfort zone. It was exciting and helped me to grow personally.

“I was lucky enough to be studying in London right after the Brexit vote, which was an incredible experience, as I’ve long had an interest in European politics and economics,” she added.

Chelsea originally started a Bachelor of Commerce degree, but the then Head of the School of Maths and Statistics encouraged her to switch to the Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance.

“One of the things I’ve loved about my degree is the challenge of learning new concepts in maths. I find that ‘ah-ha’ moment when it all clicks really thrilling. I’m very grateful I had access to such sound counsel early in my studies to guide me.

“My work experience through the UOW Management Cadetship program also helped me to realise my passion for data analysis and see how the technical skills I’ve obtained through my degree can be applied to real-world problems and help to inform better decisions.”