Research shows that Australians may go through 3-7 career changes before they retire. Sitting at The Palace Hotel in downtown Broken Hill, Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health (BHUDRH) team had the privilege of meeting Dianne Miller, a Pharmacy student from the University of New England (UNE), who has done just that.
Prior to recommencing full-time study in Pharmacy, Dianne studied and practiced law for over 15 years. This career change was one that Dianne didn’t take lightly, mentioning that there tends to be an unspoken pressure when changing careers later in life.
“I had reached a point in my life and career where I was ready for a different experience and challenge. However, you’re always told what you first studied, straight out of school, is the career you must stick to until you retire.
I had reached a point in my life and career where I was ready for a different experience and challenge.
That’s certainly not the case,” Dianne said.
When choosing her rural pharmacy placement, UNE gave Dianne the options of Broome, Thursday Island, Alice Springs or Broken Hill. She knew immediately that she would have the opportunity to expand her skills and knowledge, whilst also staying closer to family, by picking a rural town like Broken Hill.
“Out here you have to be more resourceful because you don’t have the same access to what you might get in metro areas. I get to see interesting cases, different points of view and meet people who want to see you succeed,” Dianne said.
I get to see interesting cases, different points of view and meet people who want to see you succeed.
One person who certainly hopes to see Dianne succeed is Andrew Johnson, Pharmacy Academic, for the Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health. When Dianne arrived, she was linked in with Andrew who later became her referee for a pharmacy intern job in town.
“Andrew was very motivating and genuinely took the time of day to ensure that I was set up and prepared for 1575 hours of rural pharmacy internship work. I really do have Andrew to thank for helping me along the way,” Dianne said.
Yearning for change, staying in Broken Hill was something Dianne always considered, mentioning that no matter your age, there is no time to waste doing something you don’t love or staying in a place that doesn’t serve you anymore.
“I love the sense of community in Broken Hill, and I enjoy bringing my skills and experience from my past careers into this one. I highly encourage anyone thinking about a rural placement to give it a go, you might surprise yourself and want to stay,” Dianne said.
I love the sense of community in Broken Hill, and I enjoy bringing my skills and experience from my past careers into this one.
Before wrapping up the conversation, a regular from the local pharmacy walks past, smiles and says hello to Dianne. This simple, small-town gesture solidifies Dianne’s reason for choosing Broken Hill, noting that helping people in a rural town doesn’t have to be big or profound, it’s more about sharing a meaningful moment with each community member.
“I’m glad I changed careers at this stage in my life, I feel like I’m making a real difference out here,” Dianne smiles.
If you’re looking to make a difference, head to Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health for more information about rural placement opportunities.
