Career Stories

Your career will be as unique as you. It will be a journey full of twists and turns and ups and downs. In Career Stories, you’ll see how people have navigated their career journey so far. Some had a clear idea of where they wanted to go. And others ended up in unexpected places because they gave new things a go or changed their mind. Either way, you’ll see how things have a habit of working out.

Rebekah Cook

Job: Speech and Language Pathologist

Industry/Sector: Allied Health

The kids are so clever. They just need that little bit of time or practice, and you’re there helping them to get where you knew they could go. You get to play a little part in helping them reach their potential.

Ethan Bligh

Job: Specialist Welder

Industry/Sector: Advanced Manufacturing

I’m proud of what we make in Tasmania. I’m so very proud to know what we make is used across the world. I find it amazing where things we make end up.

Virginia Andrews-Goff

Job: Marine Mammal Scientist

Industry/Sector: Marine Science

The first time I saw the ice edge, I was standing right at the top of the Aurora Australis by myself. My brain was literally so overwhelmed by what I saw that, hilariously, I burst into tears.

Kendal Sylvester

Job: Nursing Student and Health Professional

Industry/Sector: Health and Community Care

Throughout high school I was never certain of the career I wanted to pursue. I had lots of ideas, but nothing jumped out as ‘the one’. I started thinking about the life I wanted and identifying where my skills and strengths might be best suited.

Kitana Mansell

Job: Project Coordinator

Industry/Sector: Hospitality and Cultural Awareness

The best way I think to connect with culture is through food, and storytelling behind what we are eating. Traditional food that people have been eating for thousands of years.

Eleanor Spencer

Job: Marine Biology PhD

Industry/Sector: STEM

I have always wanted to study Marine Biology. I volunteered to work at my local zoo while I was in High School

Joe Brooks

Job: Podiatrist

Industry/Sector: Health Care

The ability to help someone is such a rewarding and purposeful aspect of a job! They say find something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.

Michael Marshall

Job: Firefighter

Industry/Sector: Emergency Services

Being part of a high performing team and serving the community are just a couple of reasons why Michael decided to join the Tasmanian Fire Service.

Hamish Donaldson

Job: Electronics Technician

Industry/Sector: Defence Force

If you want to see the world and have an incredible career, there’s nothing like the Australian Defence Force according to Hamish.

Trish Squires

Job: CEO

Industry/Sector: Sport, Recreation

The previous CEO of AFL Tasmania, Trish Squires, shares her ideas on resilience and leadership. This includes being OK with not being perfect.

Robert Knight

Job: Tour Operator

Industry/Sector: Hospitality and Tourism

Rob felt the fear of working on a Russian ice-breaker, skiing to the north pole, and running his own business. He did it anyway.

Jack Bignall

Job: Dairy Farm Manager

Industry/Sector: Agriculture, Business & Management

At only 24 years of age, Jack became the manager of a Dairy Farm that goes back three generations. And guess what? He’s loving it.

James Noden

Job: Builder

Industry/Sector: Building & Construction

Former apprentice of the year, now business owner and family man – all by the age of 29. Find out how James has laid the foundations for his career.

Sam Howe

Job: Lecturer ‘Human and Exercise Physiology’

Industry/Sector: Education

From a budding tennis career to a University Lecturer with a PhD, Sam Howe has been smashing it. He shares his story.

Lyndon Riggall

Job: English Teacher

Industry/Sector: Education

Lyndon’s parents knew he’d be a great teacher before he did. His career path shows there’s no right or wrong direction to explore.

Kyia Clayton

Job: Radio Producer

Industry/Sector: Arts & Media

How a chance meeting and a pro-active approach led Kyia to her perfect job.

Ben Salmon

Job: Kitchen Operations Teacher

Industry/Sector: Education, Hospitality

How a taste for travel helped Ben find the right ingredients for a rewarding career as a school teacher.

Bec Pitts

Job: Psychologist

Industry/Sector: Health

A deep curiosity in the way humans work led Bec to a career in Psychology. She takes time out to share her story.

Aloise Lambeen

Job: Nutrition Therapist

Industry/Sector: Health

Aloise completed a Degree in Marketing, and did a stint at a big digital marketing firm. But then she went in a completely different direction.

Ally Daley

Job: Interior Consultant

Industry/Sector: Construction, Professional Services

From an early age, Ally wanted to work in Interior Design. We talk to Ally about her unconventional pathway to get to her dream job.

Video Profiles

Bianca Eberle

Job: Electrical Apprentice

Industry: Electrotechnology

Bianca is a first year electrical apprentice employed by NECA Education & Careers and hosted by RBD Electrical.

Learn more:
www.necaeducation.com.au

Greg

Job: CNC Machinist

Industry: Manufacturing

“You need to be quite focused and to be able to interpret correctly to ensure you’re supplying what the customer requires.”

Learn more:
tmec.com.au/cnc-machinist

Lydia Dales

Job: Project Manager

Industry: Building and Construction

Working all day behind a desk wasn’t appealing to Project Manager Lydia who originally studied accounting. Now the sky’s the limit.

Learn more:
buildsomethingbig.com.au/stories

Zac

Job: Mechatronics Engineer

Industry: Engineering/Electronics

“The fact I get to see the design and the build process from start to finish. Not many things are more satisfying than when you get it right.”

Learn more:
tmec.com.au/mechatronics-engineer

Connor Hoskinson

Job: Civil Construction Trainee

Industry: Civil Construction

When Connor first started as a trainee he found it quite overwhelming working on the big projects, but now he is taking the lead to teach others.