Student Profiles
Read about 'the Swinburne experience' from our students first-hand.
- Jo Bagg
- Shaun Douglas
- Danielle James
- Loran McDougall
- Tania Parisi
- Kirsty Sculler
- Lawrence Stewart
- Reece Tyrrell
Jo Bagg
Bachelor of Business (Tourism and Management)
"I chose to study at Swinburne because of the diversity the tourism and management degree offered. I have gained a very broad and clear understanding of the tourism sector, while still studying the fundamentals of a business degree."
"The course has also given me a number of contacts within the local area, and therefore improved my employability within the industry. Eventually I would love to open my own café or tourist information centre within the Yarra Valley, but in the immediate future, want to work within the region promoting and marketing the area."
Shaun Douglas
Bachelor of Business
"I chose to study at Swinburne based on the strength of it's Industry-Based Learning program. I knew it would be a great way to get my foot in the door and gain some valuable real-world experience"
"I am now in the middle of my placement, and am gaining the skills needed to work within a corporate environment. Not only do I have the education, but I now have the experience to go along with it. I know that I can make a valuable contribution to any organisation and that I will have a definite edge in the highly competitive graduate job market."
Danielle James
Diploma of Conservation and Land Management/Diploma of Sustainability
"Having put my career aspirations on hold for 15 years to concentrate on a young family, I was ready to get back into it. After such a long hiatus I knew I needed to undertake further study. I wanted to complement my degree in Agricultural Science and bring my qualifications up to date. I was still passionate about the environment and wanted to make a practical contribution to conservation, land management and sustainability."
"After meeting Swinburne's teaching staff I was impressed with their professionalism, enthusiasm and focus on delivering a course at the cutting edge, so I decided to enrol in the dual diploma. As part of the course I have gained exposure to industry representatives and participated in work placement programs, giving me the opportunity to gain real hands on experience."
Loran McDougall
Bachelor of Social Science
"I was interested in both psychology and media, but wasn't able to decide which area I wanted to focus on. Swinburne's social science degree let me study both at the same time, so it was an obvious choice. Industry-Based Learning has been a definite bonus, as it has helped me to decide that I want to concentrate on my media studies and pursue a career in publishing and editing. My placement has also meant that I will finish my degree with practical and relevant experience that will make me more valuable in any role."
Tania Parisi
Advanced Diploma of Accounting
"I've always been good with figures and enjoyed maths, so I thought I'd try the Advanced Diploma of Accounting. I'd heard good things about Swinburne, so I decided to go there."
"I certainly learnt a lot about money and the business world, of which I previously had very limited knowledge, as well as learning things that can be used in the workplace such as how ledgers work and particular business software packages like MYOB."
"When I finished my diploma I decided to do the two extra years to get a degree because I know that will increase my career possibilities in the future."
Kirsty Sculler
Bachelor of Arts (Games and Interactivity)
"I've been playing video games my entire life and I love to draw and write. I wanted to pursue this after high school, but I wasn't interested in programming. My careers counsellor pointed out Swinburne's games and interactivity course and it looked perfect!"
"I'm really happy with my decision as the classes are very open with lots of discussion. Also, coming from a girl's school there weren't many people who were into games, so it's also been great to meet other girls who find it interesting."
Lawrence Stewart
Bachelor of Engineering (Telecommunication and Network Engineering)/ Bachelor of Science (Computer Science and Software Engineering)
"I was brought up around computers and always enjoyed tinkering with them. Swinburne's course was unique, and the double degree looked to be a really interesting combination. Throughout my course I have really enjoyed the major projects, including a full year engineering design project that involved some really hard-core software engineering and programming."
"Now in my final year, I am working on another year long project with a team of six other students for the software engineering component of my double degree. We are developing an IP based telephony system for small businesses. I am still considering my options for next year, but currently at the top of my list is a PhD in the area of IP networking."
Reece Tyrrell
Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics and Computer Systems)
"I came to Swinburne straight out of Year 12 with no idea what to expect. I had never done any hands on electronic work, and had only briefly touched on electronic theory as part of Year 12 physics coursework. Three years later I could not be happier with my choice.
"I am half-way through my Industry-Based Learning placement at Rubicon Systems Australia, who create and build control systems for open channel irrigation. The engineering units that I have taken as part of my degree have provided an excellent base upon which to build my knowledge at work. The style of teaching within my course has been very hands on, meaning an easy transition to my job at Rubicon Systems where I can directly apply the skills I have acquired so far."