For Ryan O’Donnell, a singing role in a production of Little Shop of Horrors rekindled his interest in science and a major career change.
“I trained at the Sydney Conservatorium as an opera singer and spent some time working as a full-time singer. I had some amazing experiences singing locally, internationally, and occasionally on live television. In amongst all that I was in a student production of Little Shop of Horrors, and it rekindled my interest in carnivorous plants. I started growing them again, and after a while, I was obsessed. Soon enough I realised that I was much more interested in plants and nature than I ever was in singing, and I decided to change paths.
This career change led Ryan to UNE.
“UNE was also one of the only universities to offer what I was interested in by correspondence, so I’ve been able to keep on working while studying. I’m hoping to continue with a research path by pursuing a PhD once I’ve completed my Masters." 
Studying a Master of Scientific Studies includes a major research work, regardless of whether you are online or on-campus this can present fantastic study opportunities. As Ryan puts it, “I’m fortunate to have some very supportive and generous supervisors, and I get to conduct my research through both the UNE N.C.W. Beadle Herbarium, and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney where I’m based.”
“I think online study opens academia to others who would not normally be able to participate. A full-time on-campus life is very restrictive and inaccessible if you have work or family commitments, or a chronic illness or disability. I know many people in these positions who I have met over the course of my degree who would not have had the opportunity to receive a university education otherwise.”
The challenge
Many mature-aged students already have a job and life commitments when they enter university with a desire to change careers.
How we help
We offer flexible study options to assist students incorporate university study into their busy lives. We also provide them with access to opportunities to ‘unearth their passion’ wherever they live, regionally, nationally or internationally.
Impact on students
Confidence to pursue new opportunities and seek a career that is right for them.
