Think it’s too late to take on an entirely new career path? Think again.
After completing their first degrees or working in their respective fields, these graduates found that postgraduate study would be the key to gaining greater satisfaction in their roles. Their stories are proof anything is possible if you’re looking to change direction.
Sandy Anghie
Moved from law into architecture
“Following graduation from UWA in 1996 with a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Commerce, I spent my first year of work as a graduate accountant at KPMG. I then moved into the legal profession and in 2000 was admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia as a barrister and solicitor while working at Herbert Smith Freehills. After close to a decade as a corporate tax lawyer, in 2006 I decided to pursue my passion and returned to UWA to study architecture. In 2012 I graduated from UWA for the second time – this time with a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture. While I love architecture and it is something I always wanted to do, I definitely have no regrets about studying law and commerce first. The skills I acquired at UWA and after graduation are invaluable, both in architecture and for my not-for-profit board roles.”
Find out more about our Master of Architecture.
Bianca Matthews
Studied commerce and then moved into teaching
“In 2014, I graduated from UWA with a Bachelor of Commerce. I quickly realised this career was not orientated around my greatest passion: helping people in ways that have a lasting, positive and uplifting impact on their lives. While my bachelor’s degree did not align with my true passion, the learning environment provided by UWA did ignite my love of learning. As a primary teacher, I know the importance and power of quality education. The education provided to me by UWA when completing my Master of Teaching was no exception.”
Find out more about our Master of Teaching.
Karishma Mehta
Switched from podiatry to accounting
“I graduated with a Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine in 2012 with an academic award, but I didn’t enjoy that work so I made the career, and life-changing, decision to study accounting at UWA in 2015. This was not an easy decision to make as I was filled with a lot of doubt as to what the outcome was going to be and whether I would enjoy it, especially having made a complete U-turn from the medical side to business. UWA’s Business School has provided me with a very positive student experience and every opportunity to succeed in the real world. More importantly, my experience taught me an important life lesson: if things do not go to plan, never be afraid to make the change because better prospects may await you.”
Find out more about our Master of Professional Accounting.
James Nicholson
Went from engineering to the world of business
“After a three-year stint in engineering, I realised business was the career path for me. The Master of Applied Finance has given me a fantastic grounding in corporate and international finance, sharpened my analytical skills and exposed me to other disciplines. I have been fortunate to secure a 12-week oil and gas internship and a scholarship, and I have represented UWA at a national management consulting case competition over the course of my degree.”
Find out more about our Master of Applied Finance.
Conrad Pires
Completed an MBA and launched a business
“I’d returned to Perth after many years overseas and found I no longer had a network here. To address this, plus add to my business knowledge and give myself new career options, I enrolled in the MBA. During my time at UWA, I made sure to engage with everyone around me, including my fellow students, lecturers, alumni and industry guest speakers. This broadened my perspectives, made me think differently and exposed me to new opportunities. After graduation, armed with new knowledge, a strong UWA network and an extended industry network, I decided to take my career in a new direction and start my own business in the space industry.”
Find out more about our Master of Business Administration (MBA).
