“Born in Armidale and growing up in the New England, it seemed natural that one day my life path would lead me to UNE in some way. It just so happened that my path would lead me to study and a career. I have completed three degrees with UNE and this is my 10th year as a staff member, but not in the same role,” Kate says.
Her career has been “the result of unplanned circumstances”. A catch-up with a friend led her to apply for a casual job in the Future Students Team, in which she became a team leader and training officer. A trip to the farmers markets one Sunday connected Kate with UNE Careers, where she started career coaching early-entry students.
“Within my first year, I quickly completed a postgraduate award in Career Development and Education. I had significant input into the formation of an entirely new way of teaching and student support. I also discovered way more about UNE and the world of higher education whilst gaining on-the-job experience in learning and teaching.”
“It is both the problem-solving and helping others that motivates me daily in my job.”
Kate, like many UNE staff, has had her work life disrupted by the COVID-19 situation. “I sent off a quick email to my boss saying, ‘Hmm, I think I need to work from home while this coronavirus is going around’. Not even 30 seconds later, I had a response saying, ‘Yes, absolutely, work from home’.
