Student Highlights
Achieving work-life balance
After being raised in France and then studying in London, Joanna is very globally-minded in her studies.
With such a distinct focus, Joanna has gone on to complete a Master in Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development at the University of Newcastle.
With a background working in wildlife conservation and aquatic resource management, Joanna was keen to gain additional skills from this world-first program.
“I was really interested in this degree because it has three units that where co-certified through the United Nation Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction Global Education and Training Institute (UNISDR GETI).
“I also chose the University of Newcastle because it enabled me to study online and remotely,” Joanna said.
Joanna chose to study part time over a three-year period so that she had flexibility to juggle both work and family commitments.
“I worked full time whilst taking care of two young children and running a household.
“Juggling work, life and study was really challenging and required a strict discipline to study in the evenings and at the weekends,” she said.
Joanna enjoyed the quality of course content, with units full of relevant, up-to-date information.
“The lecturers had excellent knowledge on their respective subjects, and they made them really current.
“They also had extensive experience in their respective fields, which transpired in their teaching material and delivery,”Joanna said.
She also found that assignments were very relevant in preparing students to deliver real-world products such as consultant reports for organisations.
At the end of 2021, Joanna completed her Masters with a High Distinction and an average of 90 percent across her courses.
“This was a ‘wow’ moment for me and a large reward for completing this degree,” she said.
Joanna hopes that her new-found knowledge will increase her opportunities here in Australia and overseas. She also aims to work for the UN in the future.
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Joanna Hugues-Dit-Ciles
Joanna has gone on to complete a Master in Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development at the University of Newcastle.
Studying part-time and online gave me the flexibility to continue working full time whilst taking care of two young children and running a household.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.