Breaking into a career in science

Thursday, 4 April 2024

Zarah Anderson was entering her final year of a Bachelor of Science (Advanced), majoring in medicinal and organic chemistry, when the stress of studying full-time and working to support herself caught up. Receiving the Will O’Reilly OAM Shaping Futures Scholarship for Women in Science gave Zarah invaluable breathing space to consider her career options and prepare for graduate interviews that would ultimately land her a dream job.

A female scientist in a laboratory pouring liquid into a test tube. The scientist is wearing a lab coat, safety glasses and gloves
Receiving the Will O'Reilly OAM Shaping Futures Scholarship for Women in Science enabled Zarah to set herself up for an exciting career in science. She hopes to inspire other women to join her in her quest to contribute solutions to global challenges.

“It was stressful going into my final year. I’d been working since I was 14 while dedicating myself to academic excellence but I needed time to consider my career options post-university, which is very time-consuming and not factored into the usual study and work commitments. Something had to give,” says Zarah.

Receiving the scholarship was a pivotal moment for Zarah who used the break in employment to build a resume which reflected her achievements at university, and apply and interview for a range of graduate jobs in the health, law and finance sector.

The scholarship not only eased my financial burden, it validated all the hard work I’d put in to overcome obstacles in my life. It gave me the confidence to branch out in a new direction and I will be eternally grateful for the support.”

Zarah Anderson
2023 Will O’Reilly OAM Shaping Futures Scholarship for Women in Science Recipient
Bachelor of Science (Advanced), 2023

New career, new direction

Zarah is now working as a graduate Laboratory Technician. Of her graduate cohort of nine, Zarah is the only woman and the only person with a background in science. So how does Zarah feel being a trailblazer in her career?

“I find it empowering that women can feel welcome in male-dominated industries. I’m already full of ideas for potential future research and I'm so excited to be starting my scientific career.”

A champion for women in science

Dr William James O’Reilly OAM came to study at the University of Newcastle, completing a Bachelor of Educational Studies (1983) and a Master of Educational Studies (1984), after an earlier career as a metallurgist. As a secondary teacher, he actively encouraged girls to pursue their interest in science and overcome barriers to entry in traditionally male dominated fields. An avid learner all his days, the Will O’Reilly OAM Shaping Futures Scholarship for Women in Science is a celebration of these values and Will’s life-long passion for education.

If you are interested in establishing or supporting a scholarship, please see our team's contact information below.

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