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Grace Sancataldo

In year 10 my school advertised an Australian School Based Apprenticeship (ASBA) called ‘Women in Construction’. The program enabled school girls to attend site 1 day a week for 24 months, rotating between different trades every 3 months. Having no clue what I was passionate about or what I would pursue after school I gave…

Steph Byrom

My career path has evolved through a series of defining pivots. When I left school, I initially planned to pursue criminology, inspired by a version of the field that didn’t quite match the reality once I explored it further. After one semester, I shifted to studying International Politics at the University of Queensland, where I…

Rebecca Colley

When I was at school, I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up, and honestly, I’m still working it out. I went to university hoping it would buy me some time, so I enrolled in a science degree at UQ and sampled everything: engineering, psychology, technology, human movements… basically career…

Celeste Tan

I did not originally plan to become a surveyor after leaving school and considered careers such as accounting, medicine, and engineering. While waiting for my STPM results (equivalent to the SSCE), I completed LCCI Levels 1–3 and considered pursuing accounting before accepting an offer to study Geomatic Engineering at a local university. After graduating, I…

Elsie Killick

In Year 10, I was torn between engineering and architecture, so I did work experience in both fields. I chose engineering because of the diverse career pathways it offered. During university, I worked part-time as a cadet engineer for a structural consulting firm while completing my degree. After three years in structural consulting post-graduation, I…

Kat McDonnell

As a kid, I was obsessed with re-planning my room and begged my parents to take me to open house inspections, imagining how I’d redesign every space. After high school, I wasn’t sure what to do—architecture sounded amazing, but the maths and science felt scary at the time. I finished a Bachelor of Commerce, but…

Sofia Duskovic

All through high school I had no idea what I wanted to do but after completing a business diploma I realised, I wanted a career that blended creativity with analytical thinking and ultimately one day be a fearless boss lady. That led me to a double degree in business (marketing) and design (visual communication), where…

Eliza Plummer

I had no idea what I wanted to do when I left school, just that I liked maths and that was about it. Off I went to study a Maths and Finance degree. At the end of uni, I really wanted to find a practical application of maths and so I landed a graduate role…

Phoebe Salter

I’m a Civil Designer at Hansen Engineering Group and I love creating infrastructure that helps communities grow and stay connected. I grew up in Toowoomba and started my career as a Cabinet Maker, where I discovered how much I enjoy design and making things work smoothly. That interest eventually led me to Civil Engineering. I…

Theri Yip

Throughout high school, I had endless ideas about what I wanted to do, but architecture was the first path I decided to explore. After graduating, I took a gap year and then began studying architecture at university. It didn’t take long for me to realise that, while I loved the construction world, the degree itself…

Zoe Giagoudakis

From no clue what I wanted to do in high school, to still exploring my passions today, my journey has been full of discovery. In school, I was really curious and loved being involved – sports, dance & musicals, public speaking and volunteering. I finished Year 12 with a mix of subjects, many interests and…

Josephine Quantrill

After leaving school I had no clue what I wanted to do as a career! I took two years off study and worked in my hometown in Far North Queensland, surrounded by the beautiful natural environment. During this time, I came to the decision that I wanted to put my energy into helping the planet.…

Emma Howson

I grew up in the UK and always had a passion for geography, which led me to study Environment and Business at university – a degree combining sustainability and business principles. During my studies, I completed a year in industry at Network Rail, the UK’s largest rail infrastructure company, as an Environmental and Sustainable Development…

Liv Smith

I left school intending on becoming a lawyer. However, found I didn’t enjoy studying at University, and sought counsel in my high school Legal Studies teacher, who advised me to try policing. I applied for the QPS and started at the academy at 20-years-old. Graduating September 2013, I began my career in Ipswich District. I…

Hannah Coster

I still remember my Year 6 class, where we would kick off each day solving fun math problems. That early exposure sparked a growing enthusiasm, especially during high school where I excelled in Math B and Math C and found enjoyment in the challenge. With no other field standing out, I leaned into my interest…

Kara Southwood

I never considered teaching while at High School, as I was pursuing a career as a classically trained ballet dancer. I was always interested in Science and did well in Biology, which led me to complete a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Ecotourism. Finding it difficult to secure work in these fields, I…

Nyree Hatzimihail

When I was in Year 10 at boarding school, I described my exact job I have now to my friends. I remember it so vividly. I would be working at a school but not teaching, I would be helping young people with advice and insights on their future options, and I would have a lot…

Chelsea Nancarrow

I often say I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up – and honestly, do we ever really know? I once wanted to be a fashion designer but instead chose the broadest degree I could think of to build a strong foundation. I believe it’s my attitude, willingness to learn, and…

Roshea Buksh

I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do when I left school, but I knew I wanted to work with people and have variety in my day. I took a gap year to work and travel, exploring different paths. After experiences in retail, hospitality, and travelling to Italy, I realised I enjoyed helping others…

Ebony McGrady

I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life after I finished high school. I worked odd jobs from IGA to stacking pallets for distribution at Big W. At 20 years old, I worked at a small-town farm that produced, packaged and sold potatoes to markets in Brisbane. I worked my way…