Student Highlights
Work integrated learning led to a dream job and confidence to succeed

Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) student, Jane Eller has received her dream job and attributes this to her ability to complete work integrated learning throughout her study.

“It was always important to me to be able to get physical experience and learn in real time. I’m such a visual learner so it was a no brainer for me to choose a course that allowed me to learn on the job.

“I’ve accepted a dream job offer to return home to regional Kempsey and offer desperately needed services in the Macleay Valley area,” she said.

Jane completed work placement in multiple locations across her four-year degree, giving her exposure to numerous industries within the medical field.

“I undertook many placements over my 4-year degree including public school, aged care, Aphasia Clinic and Indigenous preschool where I was awarded a scholarship to participate in a Speech Pathology in Indigenous Preschools program,” she said.

Recalling her experience, Jane found the hands-on approach gave her more confidence compared to reading how to handle situations.

“I worked with children and adults to deliver speech pathology services just as a fully qualified speech pathologist would. I learnt more about how to interact with a real human that was experiencing a real problem and how to come up with a real intervention approach.

“It’s one thing to learn the dos and don’ts on paper, but it’s a whole new world really getting that hands on approach to make a difference in someone else's life,” she said.

Feeling supported during her placement from all the support offered by coordinators and clinical educators, Jane now feels ready to enter the workforce.

“I always felt 100% supported by my clinical educator and the coordinators of the course who were constantly there to offer practical advice and push me to experience things for myself.

“I feel like I have enough experience to transition from a student seamlessly into a working speech pathologist. My placements really prepared me for this and gave me a taste of how it works in the real world,” she said.

Jane encourages other students considering work integrated learning to go for it.

“The value it will add to your learning, experience in the job and sense of fulfillment is just the best.” Jane said.

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Jane Eller

Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) student, Jane Eller has received her dream job and attributes this to her ability to complete work integrated learning throughout her study.

It’s one thing to learn the dos and don’ts on paper, but it’s a whole new world really getting that hands on approach to make a difference in someone else's life.