Why did you choose this field of work/job?

I’ve always been drawn to health, but my interest in public and population health really deepened in high school. Being a part of programs like Deadly Choices and various health-centred events run by student council allowed me to see first-hand the positive impact of good health education. In choosing public health as a pathway, I reflect on how these programs have impacted my personal health choices and how such knowledge shouldn’t be taken for granted. Access to health information can make all the difference in shaping healthy habits and preventing illnesses.

What tasks does your job include? What do you love about your job the most?

In my role as a Public Health First Nations Cadet, I have a diverse range of tasks and projects. From researching literature and developing relevant health promotion resources, to actively participating in community events such as careers festivals, sporting events, and some initiatives with Deadly Choices. It has been an awesome way to enhance my studies and fill gaps between the knowledge university is providing me and practical applications in the workplace.

My favourite thing about the job is the friendly and supportive team I work with. They have been great in sharing their expertise and making me feel like a genuinely valued part of the team while helping me build skills in various aspects of public and population health and professional work more broadly.

What was your study journey to get this job?

I am still in university, studying a Bachelor of Economics/Science with a focus in public health and public policy.

I came across the First Nations cadetship purely by luck, it was advertised in my university’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit newsletter (that I normally don’t read!). When I saw it, I knew it was a valuable opportunity to broaden my work experience and make connections with the First Nations workforce in health.

What are your future plans for work and study?

At this stage, my plans are to get through my current degree! While I study, I plan to continue the cadetship and maybe search for similar experiences in different fields (research, private sector, NGOs etc.). After that I hope to find a career in the public sector and potentially pursue further studies.

What is one thing about your study and/or job that you would love to share with people considering this career?

Public health is really driven by evidence-based approaches, relying on solid research and data. What makes it interesting is seeing how that research applies to people. With my studies I’ve been able to see how these insights influence policies, programs, and health initiatives which impact lives, and in my work I’ve been given the opportunity to develop these health initiatives.

If you’re passionate about health and want to improve health outcomes for Indigenous Queenslanders and Queenslanders more broadly, give it a go! It’s an incredible way to see what you like about your field and gain useful experience with a diverse team from all different backgrounds, while being culturally supported by a great team.