Briana's story

Caring for people among projects

Briana started out in the corporate world and mastered each of her roles. From an administration role, she moved up through roles in human resources, corporate training and business analysis in some of Australia's largest companies. She eventually became a project manager, and while she enjoyed the role, she would love to help people directly.

Her passion was in care. Throughout all of her roles, she had volunteered as the first aid and occupational health and safety officer. Outside of work, she studied alternative healing courses while caring for the needs of her growing family.

An unexpected pivot for passion

Briana's turning point came when her mother fell and broke her hip, which required constant care. At the same time, a US company acquired the financial institution that Briana was working for. A subsequent redundancy allowed Briana to be her mother's primary carer, as her medical needs were becoming more complex.

When the Victorian Government offered paid nursing courses, Briana saw this as her chance for a career change. With the flexibility that Swinburne offered, she was able to care for her mother while studying and applying her hands-on experience to her course.

A coordinator from Swinburne informed Briana of the Epworth Fellowship and encouraged her to apply. The fellowship offered a guaranteed placement during studies and an end-of-course interview for a graduate position. Briana secured the fellowship and is now about to complete her final placement before graduation.

"The flexible learning at Swinburne is fantastic. Having the assignment dates set at the start of the semester allows me to plan around other life commitments."

Appreciation for Swinburne

"The flexible learning at Swinburne is fantastic. Having the assignment dates set at the start of the semester allowed me to plan around other life commitments," says Briana.

She also appreciates Swinburne's student support services on campus – including career guidance and counselling – that made her feel well supported. Briana also has the encouragement to study further from her mum, who is doing well.