Returning to study years after completing a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), Nicole experienced a life-changing diagnosis that prompted her to take hold of life and reflect on what truly brought her joy.

“In 2018 my world changed after a life-altering diagnosis. While this experience is not one I would wish on anybody, I decided to take learning from it. I gained an appreciation for life, gratitude for family and the amazing opportunities this world provides, but most importantly perspective,” she said.

Pursuing postgraduate studies stemmed from this newfound perspective on life. After becoming stagnant in Social Work, Nicole decided to change her career. Having an interest in Public Health, she felt this would be her new direction.

“I am a very ambitious person and I found I was losing my passion for Social Work. I needed a career change; no longer did I feel happy or have a sense of fulfillment,”

“I have always found health and medicine intriguing. I like to investigate the meaning behind the statistics, I thrive on the fact-finding mission on what the numbers are telling us. The Master of Public Health fulfills this and gives me a sense of purpose,” she said.

Experiencing her own health battles, Nicole wanted to gain a deeper understanding of life and the complexities individuals face, and the dynamic ways issues can be resolved.

“My health battles and the COVID-19 pandemic were the cornerstones to finding Public Health. It allowed me to think deeply about the fragility of life and question why some people suffer inequity and inequality more than others. This program provides you with all the tools to find the answers to those questions. The program structure gets you to focus in on your interests,” she said.

Reflecting on the program's structure, Nicole found the assignments provided knowledge that could be easily transferred to her career and improve her abilities.

“The assignments are practical and allow you to develop and further enhance your skills in critical reflection and analysis,” she said.

Nicole was supported during her degree through the close connection to academics. Being guided through a change in knowledge can be daunting, but Nicole was encouraged to continue and achieve her goals.

“This degree provides you with connections to your course coordinators and lecturers. These connections provided guidance in the steps that I need to take to reach my goals and ambitions,” she said.

Creating a space to question public health issues and create valued responses encouraged Nicole to continue her pursuit of her new industry.

“This degree allows you to question the values, systems and society that are leading to these public health issues at a population level and come up with upstream and downstream interventions to address these,” she said.

Walking into Hunter Medical Research Institue (HMRI) created a sense of belonging Nicole had not felt at work before. Reflecting on this feeling of excitement to learn and grow within the public health industry has reawakened her passion for her career.

“It reignited my passion that had been lost, I realised that I wanted to be a part of a team environment who have a common goal to improve the health and wellbeing of populations through direct practice, health promotion, tertiary education, and research,” she said.

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Nicole Doley

After developing health issues, Nicole found a new perspective for life and wanted to change her career. Following her interest in Public Health gave her the fulfilment she needed.

This degree allows you to question the values, systems and society that are leading to these public health issues at a population level and come up with upstream and downstream interventions to address these.

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