What to consider when you graduate from university

Our eldest child, David Madew , recently graduated from the 悉尼新南威尔士大学 with a Master of City Planning. His journey from scraping into university to achieving this milestone is a testament to his grit, passion, and determination. We are incredibly proud of his academic achievements and his decision to pursue a career in creating sustainable communities.

During David's graduation, Alison Mirams , Executive Chair at Roberts Co , delivered an inspiring speech, urging students to embrace continuous learning and personal growth. Alison's own career journey, from aspiring for a comfortable office job to managing a multi-billion-dollar construction company, taught her valuable lessons.

Alison emphasized the importance of staying open to new ideas and technologies, as they constantly reshape industries. She advised graduates to maintain fresh thinking and challenge the status quo, using their vivid imaginations to explore uncharted possibilities.

Facing adversity with the right attitude was another key point. By choosing optimism through perseverance, looking for the positives in every situation, and overcoming obstacles graduates can define their own success.

Students should seize opportunities, even if they initially feel unprepared. Companies don't set individuals up for failure and women should not question their worthiness, but rather embrace opportunities with confidence and determination.

The government has recently announced an investment of $128.5 million over four years to fund an additional 4,000 university places, primarily in #STEM disciplines to pave the way for the workforce needed to deliver on #AUKUS. These places will specifically target fields such as mechanical, electrical, chemical, and nuclear engineering, as well as physics, chemistry, mathematics, materials science, naval architecture, and computer science.

This funding serves as a remarkable opportunity for graduates to pursue careers in these high-demand STEM fields. It aligns perfectly with an emphasis on embracing opportunities and maintaining a forward-thinking mindset. Graduates can leverage these additional university places to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in these critical disciplines, setting themselves up for success in the ever-evolving world of technology and innovation.

Alison's parting advice on leadership resonates strongly in the context of STEM careers. Decency, care, and respect for others are essential traits that foster positive relationships and contribute to a fulfilling professional journey. By combining technical expertise with interpersonal skills, graduates can become leaders who drive positive change and make a lasting impact in their chosen fields.

As our graduates embark on their professional journeys, Alison's words, coupled with this new funding initiative, serve as a guiding light. Their path to success lies in embracing opportunities, maintaining a positive mindset, and building meaningful relationships.

By leveraging the opportunities provided by the government's investment, networking, and cultivating a passion for STEM, future graduates can also forge their paths to success and contribute to a future driven by innovation and discovery.