Age: 33
Former position: Seven years in finance and banking.

Dream job: I would like to progress to a management position and I believe further studies can assist me with reaching these goals. I am currently completing an Honours degree at Sunshine Coast University which is aligned with the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) in Brisbane, specialising in Immunology. This involves working specifically with blood and antibodies.

I think having the dual qualifications (both Bachelors and a Diploma in Lab Techniques) opens up more options for me in the job market – I can choose to use my skills and experience as a lab technician, or I may go on to work in medical research.

I would like to complete a PHD some time in the future, but I may get a pathology laboratory job before then.

Testimonial: I had been working in the finance and banking sector for about seven years, and wanted to change my career. I wasn’t feeling confident and didn’t want to commit to going straight into a university degree. I did some research and found that Southbank Institute offered an articulated pathway into university via the Diploma course.

It was such a practical course – it definitely made it easier for me when I went on to university to have such a strong grounding in lab techniques and confidence in the laboratory. I found that when I got to university many of the second year students hadn’t had any time in a laboratory.

I also halved my HECS bill compared to other university students - as I had spent half the time compared to others studying at university, having gained credit from studying the Diploma at Southbank Institute, where I was able to pay my fees up front.

I have no regrets and would encourage other 'older' students’ to follow their dreams and make the change. I found studying at Southbank Institute to be a great stepping-stone to further study and to start my new career path in the science industry. I also found there were a lot of 'older’ (non-school leavers) at Southbank Institute – so you are not alone!"