For Jade Anderson, nursing isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. Studying both the Diploma and Bachelor of Nursing at TAFE Queensland has shaped her journey, equipping her with the skills, confidence, and passion to make a real difference in people’s lives.

“TAFE Queensland gave me the foundation to pursue my dreams. It’s why I want to keep going—my Bachelor’s, my Master’s, and one day, opening my own clinic,” she said.

Jade’s passion for nursing was ignited by pivotal moments, including administering life-saving CPR at 18 and assisting in a birth. These experiences solidified her calling.

Choosing TAFE Queensland’s Southport campus was an easy decision. “The hands-on learning and real-life experiences are incredible. Our teachers are practicing nurses who truly care,” she said.

The immersive training gave Jade confidence, preparing her for the workforce. After completing her diploma, she secured a graduate position at Gold Coast University Hospital and is now advancing her studies to become a Registered Nurse.

Her ultimate dream? Opening an Indigenous birthing center that merges First Nations practices with Western medicine.

“Thanks to TAFE Queensland, I’m not just becoming a nurse—I’m shaping a future where cultural connection and clinical excellence go hand in hand.”

Sachin Ramsamy’s goal was to find a field where he could make the greatest impact and contribution to society with his IT degree. He says, “I believe that security development holds immense potential to make the internet a safer place for everyone.”

One of the highlights of his study at Griffith was the work-integrated learning component. “I was incredibly fortunate to complete my placement at the IBM Development Lab on the Gold Coast, where I had the opportunity to work alongside brilliant minds and experts. I was introduced to cutting-edge authentication technologies that are playing a crucial role in protecting digital identities online.”

Sachin also participated in the Griffith Industry Mentoring Program twice. “Through this program, I attended networking events, met industry professionals, and received valuable advice for my career, which was instrumental in my professional growth.”

He says, “Griffith has played an important role in shaping me into an effective learner, equipping me with the skills and mindset needed to adapt and thrive. These skills will not only help me stay ahead of the curve but also empower me to tackle some of the world’s most challenging problems in software development.”

Going to Bond was, by far, the best decision I could have made. I remember sitting down on ‘ATAR day’ and feeling incredibly overwhelmed by the uncertainty before me – what degree to do, what university to choose – but from the moment I first stepped onto Bond’s (beautiful) campus, the choice became clear. Everything seemed to fit me perfectly - from the welcoming atmosphere to the passionate and driven people I met (many of whom I now call my closest friends and peers), Bond immediately stood out as a university like no other. The tight-knit community, incredibly supportive faculty, and unbelievable opportunities, both academic and extracurricular, have shaped my university experience in ways I never imagined. Whether it’s competing in international mooting competitions, having the opportunity to serve on students’ associations, or just spending time with the diverse, inspiring, and unfailingly kind people I get to see every day, Bond has truly felt like home from day one. I’m excited to complete my degrees at Bond, knowing that the support I’ve received here won’t end at graduation. Being part of this community is something that lasts well beyond my time as a student – once a Bondy, always a Bondy!

Lucy Wilkins always had a passion for helping others and a curiosity about human behaviour. Griffith’s emphasis on practical skills and clinical components made it her top choice. 

"I knew that studying this field not only promises a fulfilling career for myself but also has the potential to positively impact countless lives," she says. “The Scientist Practitioner model taught at Griffith allowed me to integrate theoretical learning with hands-on research and practical experience. This has greatly enriched my education.” 

A highlight of Lucy’s studies was her observational placement at a Queensland Health Hospital. 

“Working alongside a clinical psychologist gave me insight into all aspects of the profession, from planning sessions to collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Witnessing clients’ moments of vulnerability reinforced the importance of trust, empathy, and active listening.” 

For future students, Lucy advises: “I would highlight the value of building positive relationships with peers, academics, and mentors. These connections not only offer invaluable support but also provide a wealth of knowledge that contributes to personal and professional growth.”

Graduate Carmel Smithers has found the beauty in business after landing the role of Brand Manager for skincare brand A bit Hippy.

“I love the versatility of my role, we’re a small high-performing team, so I manage all of the marketing campaigns, from developing social media content, to EDMs (email direct mail marketing), to live brand activations,” Carmel said.

Carmel credits a marketing internship undertaken as part of her Bachelor of Business for launching her career in brand management. The internship provided the networking opportunities to land a graduate role as Marketing Assistant at MooGoo Skincare.

Within five years, Carmel has quickly risen in the company and is now Brand Manager of their sister companies A bit Hippy and Dr Zoo.

Carmel says her degree provided foundational skills in business and marketing. 

“Having a degree is invaluable. It is essential for anyone to build the foundations of skills and knowledge in their chosen profession,” she said.

“In your first year of the degree you cover all sorts of foundational subjects like accounting, economics and marketing. As soon as I did the marketing unit, I loved it and knew it was exactly what I wanted to do,” she said.

Aboard a 62-foot yacht in the Whitsundays, Chelcie Jones faced a crisis. With the engine failing and the boat drifting toward rocks, she dove in, tools in hand. When it roared back to life, so did her future.

“That was the moment I knew—I loved fixing engines more than sailing them,” she said.

Chelcie transitioned from building luxury motor yachts to hands-on mechanical repairs. Now in her fourth year of a Heavy Diesel Mechanics course at TAFE Queensland’s Ashmore campus, she’s proving skill, not gender, defines success.

Chelcie has had to prove herself repeatedly—not just to others, but to herself.

“Being a woman in trade means constantly proving that I deserve to be here,” she said.

“There’s always going to be that one person who doubts you, but I’ve learned to let my skills speak for themselves.”

At five feet tall and 50 kilos, she’s had to work smarter, not harder. “If I can’t do something the way I was shown, I figure out my own way.”

Her advice to other women considering a trade career?

“Confidence, adaptability, and perseverance are key,” Chelcie said. “Believe in your skills, find your own way, and as you grow, bring other women along with you.”

A law degree has taken Emily Williams across the globe, from the United Nations in New York to embassies in Europe and the South Pacific.

After graduating, Emily secured a prestigious role in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) graduate program, completing rotations in commercial law, the COVID response team, and the Afghanistan crisis response.

Following the program, Emily worked in Serbia and Australia, with a highlight including attending the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York in 2024.

Now, as Vice Consul at the Australian Consulate in Noumea, New Caledonia, she applies her legal expertise daily.

“I am interpreting policy and legislation every day in my role, and I also need strong analytical and writing skills, so having a law degree under my belt has been really helpful,” Emily said.

“I think coming from Southern Cross gave me an advantage because I had so many amazing opportunities that my lecturers encouraged me to apply for. I don’t think I would have had the chance to have all those experiences at a bigger university.”