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What happens when you change the course and start saying yes? For Emily, switching degrees was just the beginning. Now a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) student, she’s studied legumes at CSIRO, attended COP28 in Dubai, travelled to 30 countries, and led regional volunteering trips across WA. From swapping out of law to a sustainability advocate, Emily’s journey proves that unexpected turns can lead to incredible opportunities, and that real impact starts when you step outside your comfort zone.
From switching degrees to travelling across 30 countries before turning 21, Emily, a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) student, is striving to use her passion to change the world.
When Emily started her degree, she never imagined she’d end up studying legumes at CSIRO, travelling to Dubai as a delegate to the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), or leading volunteer trips.
After starting uni doing a law and commerce degree, she quickly realised it wasn’t her thing. Now, after shifting to a double major in human resource management and international business, she is almost wrapping up her degree.
A major turning point came when she was awarded the John Curtin Undergraduate Scholarship.
“I was actually enrolled at a different uni, ready to start classes. Then I got the scholarship offer from Curtin, and everything changed. I had to take the leap.”
She credits the scholarship not just for financial support, but for opening doors she didn’t even know existed. The network of people, students, mentors, alumni have all proven to be pivotal in understanding her passions and giving her the confidence to swap out of law.
That same scholarship funded her first overseas study trip to Norway, which sparked a passion for sustainability and global policy. It led to further opportunities, including a trip as a Global Voices Fellow and attending COP28 in Dubai. These experiences have all been life-changing, with the domino-effect awarding opportunities after each success of the last.
She’s also gained professional experience through internships, first with Deloitte in consulting, and later with CSIRO through her Advanced Honours placement.
“I had no science background, but I ended up in their crop adaptation and gene modification team. It was completely out of my comfort zone, and I loved it.”
This rolling success wasn’t just evident in her professional development but in her volunteering efforts as well. As part of her scholarship, she was required to complete 24 hours of community volunteering, but for Emily, it didn’t stop there. Now a leader with Curtin Volunteers!, she’s led trips to regional WA, volunteered in projects that connect with community and began saying yes to more Curtin Extra programs. Now, she’s done well over her required commitment hours.
As a Curtin Extra leader, the opportunities snowballed into leadership opportunities, meetings with Vice-Chancellors, and contributing to major projects like the 2030 Assessment rollout and policy development in sustainability.
It wasn’t just about the prestige though, it was the creation of a sense of belonging and being a part of the uni community that really drove her.
“When I walk across campus now, I say hi to so many people. In first year, I didn’t know anyone. But thanks to these programs, I’ve built networks and friendships everywhere.”
Emily believes that if you are considering joining Curtin Extra, “don’t hesitate”. The experiences from being a part of the program haven’t just given her a CV boost, it’s shaped her career trajectory and her future. Anyone has the ability to join Curtin Extra, and get just as much out of it personally, professionally and developmentally!
With a strong foundation in business and sustainability, her next step is heading back overseas, ideally to Norway.
“Eventually, I’d love to do a Master, but I want to work and travel first. Especially in sustainability and international business, experience matters.”
Her advice for students just starting out? Say yes. Try everything. It might not work out, but it might lead to something even better. Don’t be afraid to pivot.
Want to boost your resume and get recognised for everything you do outside the classroom? 🌟 Join Curtin Extra!
