Student Highlights
From Business to Psychology – Brooke finds her unique balance

Originally completing a Bachelor of Marketing and Media at Macquarie University, Brooke worked in this industry whilst simultaneously discovering her passion for psychology.

“After working a couple of years in this industry, I headed back to university to complete the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Sciences at University of Newcastle,” she said.

Juggling casual work in both marketing and psychology, Brooke began working at Mind and Me Psychology clinic in Wyong. With sights set on travelling and finding her balance between life and study, she made use of the career prospects the University offered.

“I’m grateful for the work opportunities I have been exposed to through the University of Newcastle,” she said.

“Doing some marking/tutoring of undergraduate psychology and communication courses, I’m saving to travel, that being an equal priority for me along with my psychology journey.”

Slowly rediscovering old passions and creating new ones, she keeps a balance between study, work and hobbies. Brooke is embracing the changes her study is offering her to take the next step in her career.

“A highlight of my Graduate Diploma was rekindling my love of study. There is no better feeling than when you start an assignment you have (naturally) procrastinated, and find yourself deep in papers, in a flow state, because you enjoy the content so much,” she said.

Tackling a new career and pathway can be daunting, but Brooke has felt the support from those within her cohort and across the university. For Brooke, the relationships she has created continue to encourage her along the way.

“The School of Psychological Science fosters a great sense of community – study buddies take the pressure off when you can chat things through over coffee, and I feel super comfortable talking with my lecturers,” she said.

Brooke feels like she’s found her place in the world of Psychology.

“Like many of us, I’m still navigating life and sometimes feel like I have no idea what I’m doing. However I feel totally at home and feel a deep sense of fulfilment and enjoyment in my psychology studies and psych-centred work,” she said.

Being able to implement classroom learnings into the real world has been a key influence on Brooke and has affirmed her decision to change careers.

“The direct, real-world connection we gained in our course has really consolidated my learning,” she said.

“Gaining my psychology registration or research - perhaps both! Will, fingers crossed, be a part of my future. Working in spaces that destigmatise mental illness and prioritise mental health service accessibility being the broad goal,” she said.

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Brooke Welsby

Brooke started out studying Marketing and Media and later realised her passion lay elsewhere. Discovering the Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science, Brooke is excited about her new career path and what the future may hold.

The direct, real-world connection we gained in our course has really consolidated my learning.