JK (Jerald Justin Ko)

Senior Producer Presenter and Assistant Programme Director, Power 98

Bachelor of Arts (Communication and Media Studies) '08 - majored in English

"Studying at UWA was like a global whirlwind tour without ever leaving campus! I met people from every corner of the world, which truly opened my eyes to the vastness of the world. The way tutorials were structured practically pushed me to speak up, share my thoughts, and build inner confidence. UWA didn’t just give me knowledge, it gave me a louder voice too!

Nearly two decades later, I still remember a module on cinematic narratives, where we even watched Memento as part of the curriculum.  From storytelling to writing, to digital media, it was all there, a full buffet of creativity. And honestly, so much of what I learned then is still a big part of my life today as a radio presenter and content creator.

I had this amazing exchange program with Temasek Polytechnic in Singapore. We dived into TV production, got hands-on in radio studios, and learned so much about the behind-the-scenes magic of media."

Eliza Chaney

Co-Founder and CEO, Future Forward Australia

Bachelor of Arts '23 (Political Science and International Relations)

My time at UWA was an incredibly important part of my life. Your undergraduate degree is when you begin to really grow up, go out into the real world and get a sense of life. I strongly believe that universities should be a time in your life when you are able to think freely and explore the world of academia without barriers and UWA undoubtedly provided that space for me. I credit UWA with teaching me how to think critically, to question and make well-informed arguments, and importantly how to engage with those who think differently to you in a respectful manner. Moreover, UWA facilitated the gradual building of my network and career path through the many opportunities offered throughout the duration of my degree which ultimately readied me for the world post-graduation. 

When I was in year 12 and choosing my degree, I was unsure exactly what I wanted to do with my life (which largely remains the case today) and I believed Political Science and International Relations and Economics would give me a well-rounded start to my academic career. The Bachelor of Arts is sometimes dismissed as not being a particularly useful degree, I wholeheartedly disagree with this assertion as I don’t think there is another degree that gives you so much freedom to explore as many avenues and schools of thought, teaches you to think critically and question the status quo, or contextualise your position in Australia as a part of a complex global network.

In 2024, at the age of 22, I was fortunate to attend the UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan as a part of a policy fellowship I am completing with Global Voices Australia. The skills and knowledge I acquired throughout my coursework in these two majors continues to inform my work in this space and has proven to be a valuable asset to my continued development.  

Alex Stephenson

Alex Stephenson

Bachelor of Arts (Honours), ‘21

"I started my Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Chinese Studies because I had quite enjoyed learning Chinese in high school. I had planned to study Finance as a second major; however, after my first year, I realised this wasn't for me. In my second year, I chose Linguistics by chance, and at the end of that year, decided that it was for me. I really enjoyed Linguistics and decided to undertake an Honours year, which proved to be a challenge. Still, I'm very glad I did it, as I wouldn't be where I am today without it.

In January 2020, I undertook a workplace practicum unit as my final level 3 Linguistics unit to complete my BA and Linguistic major. I was placed at an Aboriginal language centre in the Pilbara, where I had the opportunity to work alongside Elders recording language, learning about practical linguistics work, and altogether having a good time. This experience was instrumental to my student experience and led me to continue seeking work in language centre environments, five of which I've now worked with across WA.

I remember experiencing a lot of career doubt in the second year of my BA. I was uncertain about where I might end up or what my degree might lead to, if anything. I never would have guessed I'd end up loving research and pursuing a PhD, nor that I'd be working with Indigenous community organisations, as I am today. My advice to future UWA students would be to choose the field(s) that speak to you. You never know what you will end up enjoying or where you might find yourself in the future." 

Aisling Hillas

Communications Officer, Glencore

Bachelor of Arts '22 (Communication and Media Studies) 

"Studying at UWA was an important step in achieving a qualification for the workforce of today. The choice to study at UWA boiled down to the flexibility in studying units outside of my speciality (electives, broadening units). I have always considered myself a sort of jack of all trades, but master of none, in that most subject matters appeal to me. So, narrowing it down to one speciality was incredibly difficult for me, but made easier by the knowledge that I could expand my skillset outside of that niche. The opportunity to study overseas via the exchange program was particularly important to me, and I will always look back on those memories with fondness.

I am lucky in that I love my job, I love the people I work with, and I love coming into work everyday (don’t get me wrong, I still snooze my alarm and need an extra 5 (60) minutes sleep). I love that I get to come in and do something different every day. I get to work autonomously and collaboratively. I have the opportunity to learn from some extremely remarkable people, who impart wisdom, knowledge and tips to me."

Patrick Morrison

Assistant Curator, Maritime Heritage at the Western Australian Museum 

Bachelor of Science '18, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) ’19 (Archaeology) 

"I started studying straight after high school in 2016. My undergraduate majors were in Neuroscience and Archaeology, and in 2019 I completed an Honours in Archaeology.

 I thoroughly enjoyed my time at UWA, and have especially fond memories of travelling for both archaeological field trips and debating competitions. I started in neuroscience after falling in love with it during the Brain Bee competition at high school, organised by Jenny Rodger at UWA. 

My second major became archaeology after a very interesting first year class with Sven Ouzman, where I ended up sourcing and firing my own clay tablet for an assignment. I found the mix of the arts and sciences compelling, and realised that there is a vibrant archaeological community in Australia, in research and industry.

During my undergraduate we had many guest lectures from working archaeologists - many of whom are now my colleagues at the WA Museum. I was lucky enough to get a museum job right after graduation, where I am working as I complete my PhD.

My advice to students would be to embrace their broadening units -  I owe my career to the first year archaeology class that showed me how interesting modern Australian archaeology is! For archaeology students - being active in projects as soon as possible and developing your skills will set you ahead - tech skills like 3D photogrammetry and GIS mapping made me useful on many interesting projects."

Jessie Gordon

Internationally acclaimed, multi-award winning musician

Bachelor of Arts ’04 (Linguistics and Anthropology and Sociology)

Bachelor of Arts Linguistics and Anthropology graduate, Jessie Gordon, is an internationally acclaimed, multi-award winning musician whose musical passions span across jazz, blues, gospel and roots music. She is a jazz blues vocalist, vintage jazz dancer, raconteur and self-proclaimed cheese enthusiast.

Jessie’s passion for music has taken her around the world, touring Southeast Asia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and the UK. She has won 15 Music and Cabaret awards at FRINGE WORLD Festival and has received 22 nominations. Jessie has collaborated with local Perth bands including Sassafras, Apocalypse Lounge, The Dirty Blues Band, Perth Cabaret Collective, and the Anatomically Incorrect Gentlemen, and recently released two albums with her original music, A Work of Fiction and Best Friends. 

In 2004, Jessie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Linguistics and Anthropology. Following graduation, she undertook an honours year in anthropology and began a PhD which she never completed, having succumbed to the lure of bright stage lights. 

“Anthropology changed the way I looked at the world. I can’t emphasise enough the impact it had on me. I still remember the profound revelation I experienced studying gender and sexuality, and also healing and medicine, through an anthropological lens.

“For me the intersection of language and music provides a constant tension in performance. There are so many interpretations of a melody that can support the lyric of a tune, or provide a counterpoint to it. I use the skills I learned in my arts degree every day to think analytically about musical and lyrical content and find new ways to interpret and communicate on stage.”