Off-field career pivot for psychology graduate Alex McKinnon
It’s been ten years since Alex McKinnon’s on-field spinal injury ended his career as a professional rugby league player, but today he fulfils a goal from a different field – earning a university degree.
The former Newcastle Knights player will graduate from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Psychological Science.
Alex, who managed recruitment for the Knights pathway program, said it was the experience of identifying talent and developing up-and-coming players that sparked his interest in psychology.
Forced to face his own physical and mental obstacles after becoming quadriplegic overnight, Alex knows first-hand the power of the mind.
“When I was working with young people in the pathway program, I noticed that the players who excelled weren’t just physically talented; they had a psychological edge,” Alex shared.
“They could overcome adversity, stay disciplined, and remain focused, and those traits often contributed to their success.”
For Alex, the recruitment process in professional sports involves more than assessing athletic ability.
“You’re trying to understand who these players are—what drives them, their resilience, their values, and the challenges they’ve overcome.
“That’s the part of the process that really captivated me,” Alex said.
To pursue a career in mentoring and counselling, Alex said obtaining a formal qualification was important to him, which is what motivated his decision to enrol at the University of Newcastle.
“I wanted to ensure I had the theoretical knowledge and practical tools to truly make a difference in the lives of the people I work with.”
His academic journey was not without its challenges. After several attempts at university, including stints in arts, business, and teaching, Alex found his passion in psychology.
“I always wanted to go to uni, but I doubted my ability to succeed academically. I thought I had no chance. But once I found something I cared about, everything changed,” Alex said.
“Going to university has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.”
Employed at nib Group as the Career Pathway Programs Lead during his studies, Alex said the skills he’s learnt in the degree are transferrable across a variety of roles from counselling to business psychology, human resources and marketing.
“Ultimately, I’m hoping to continue studying to become a registered psychologist,” Alex said.
Well-known in the footy community, Alex was at peak of his NRL career with the Newcastle Knights when the news of his injury made headlines in 2014. He said enrolling in university was a refreshing opportunity to branch out of his usual network and into circles that didn’t know him.
“It was great to be around people from different backgrounds, and with a variety of interests.
“I always felt comfortable at the University of Newcastle because I was in a space that was very aware and inclusive,” Alex said.
During his studies, Alex met his partner, Lily, who is also graduating from the University of Newcastle this week. They are among more than 3,700 students taking the stage as part of the University of Newcastle’s largest cohort of graduates to-date.
To watch the 2024 Callaghan Graduation livestream recordings please click here.
For future Graduation ceremonies and dates please click here.
Read more about graduation and the success of our students:
Education that empowers: University of Newcastle celebrates record graduation
Dust yourself off and try again: you can do it and become a doctor
Maddie aspires to build engineering dreams
Tori digs up past to plan for her future
Aradhana finds strength in supporting others
STUDY A BACHELOR OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Contact
- Penny Harnett
- Phone: 02 4921 6779
- Email: penny.harnett@newcastle.edu.au
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