From mining engineer to future primary teacher

After 14 years as a mining engineer, a passion for working with children inspired a major career change for Master of Teaching (Primary) student Callum.

Originally from New Zealand, Callum moved to Australia in 2012 to begin his career in mining. Now a dad of two living in the Hunter Valley, he decided to return to university and pursue his long-standing interest in teaching.

The turning point came after he coached his son’s under-7 soccer team.

“I ended up coaching my son’s under-7 soccer team last year and quickly realised I was experiencing much more fulfilment in that role than I had ever felt in my 14-year mining career. Teaching had always been of interest to me, and it seemed like the perfect time to embark on that journey,” Callum shares.

After completing previous university study and building a career in mining, Callum chose the University of Newcastle because of its reputation and the flexibility of its online study options.

“The University had a good reputation and enabled me to study predominantly online, which allowed me to enjoy much more time at home with my young family.”

Studying full-time and exclusively online, with on-campus intensives when required, has allowed him to balance his studies with family life.

“Studying online and at my own pace means I can work around the needs of my family.”

While returning to full-time study after more than a decade in the workforce has been a significant change, Callum says he has thoroughly enjoyed studying in an area he is passionate about. He has also found a strong sense of connection with fellow students who are making similar mid-career changes.

“Honestly, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the transition back to full-time study. It’s been a real breath of fresh air studying in an area I’m genuinely passionate about and alongside so many people who share that passion.”

“It’s been great to meet so many other people in the exact same mid-life career shift as I’m in. Many of us are parents as well.”

The practical focus of the Master of Teaching (Primary) has also helped Callum prepare for his future career in the classroom. With his first placement approaching, he is looking forward to putting his learning into practice.

“The course has also been incredibly practical, and I feel like almost all of the assignments have been directly applicable to what I’ll actually be doing in the classroom.”

As he works towards completing his degree in mid-2027, Callum is excited about the opportunity to contribute to his local community and share his passion for history with future students.

“I live in a great little community, and I’m really excited to be able to genuinely give back and work with kids to hopefully make a positive impact.”

For anyone considering postgraduate study as a pathway to a new career, his advice is simple:

“It’s an awesome opportunity to enable that career gearshift and retrain as something totally different.”

It’s an awesome opportunity to enable that career gearshift and retrain as something totally different.