Life after College

We chat to Old Collegians about what life has been like after College.

Dr Belinda Cardinal (OGC 1993)

I left College for Deakin University, initially studying science and law but later switching to pure science. I earned a bachelor’s degree, followed by an Honours degree. Then, I completed a PhD in Genetics at The University of Melbourne and became a Genetics lecturer at Melbourne Uni. While pursuing my academic career, I started a family with two children. When my brother faced health issues, I transferred my work to Deakin Uni to be able to support him. This experience reshaped my priorities, leading me to establish a goat dairy and cheesemaking business, allowing me to work from home while indulging my passion.

Life took another turn with a separation, but I continued dairy goat farming and ventured into livestock genetics import-export. I remarried and, with my partner, successfully manage our business, involving various responsibilities like accounting, contracts, genetic analysis, and day-to-day husbandry.

Highlights include speaking at international conferences, publishing papers on new bat species, and importing a new sheep breed to Australia after two decades - the Valais blacknose (the cutest sheep in the world).

My advice to students: Embrace unexpected opportunities; you never know where they might lead you.

Dr Nisha Menzies Brown (OGC 1993)

I knew my career needed to involve in-depth study of baby behaviour. That led me to Occupational Therapy. With a year’s experience, I left for the UK via Africa. Here I had the unique experience of using my knowledge in an orphanage in Zimbabwe.

In the UK I worked in paediatrics and completed courses on infant neuro-behaviour. When I arrived home, I was ready to chase my dream! Many calls later, I lucked upon an ambitious paediatrician and neurologist who were creating a research team to study brain development in babies, and who became my PhD supervisors. I also worked with babies in intensive care at the Women’s Hospital.

In my private practice, I facilitate group therapy services for infants and young children in nature. Being outdoors helps families to feel that the hours of therapy they attend are more like ‘playgroup’. This facilitates peer connections and supports infant and parental mental health.

I had no defined career path. But by not giving up, talking, trying different angles, and combining my passions I have found rewarding work in a speciality that I love. Importantly, private practice allows a balance between career and family.

Tim O’Donnell (OGC 1993)

I am GM of Business Development for an ASX-listed Agribusiness firm based in Fremantle, WA, where I live with my wife and four children.

My journey with this company spans 17 years. Vessel-based for two, then 15 years establishing welfare-centric meat and livestock supply chains across South-East Asia and the Middle East.

I deferred an offer from the University of Melbourne to study Marine Science, instead spending three years at Moola Bulla Station near Halls Creek, followed by a stint at Marcus Oldham, later venturing west to work in mining near Kalgoorlie, before returning to the cattle industry from 1997 to 2000.

Post the Asian Financial Crisis my path led east to the Hunter Valley, and the export office of McGuigan’s Wines, adjacent to my family’s winery, Meerea Park. This role paved the way for an opportunity in the Philippines, marketing a diverse selection of Australian wines across that region for five entertaining years.

In 2006, I returned to Australia and settled in Darwin as the NT/NQ Manager for my current employer, then moved to Fremantle in 2012 to lead the company’s MENA operations.

My advice to the Class of ‘23 is simple: Relax. There are countless paths to success and happiness, take them.

Sophie Baulch (OGC 2003)

I don’t think you could get a more linear career path than mine!

I completed my Year 10 work experience with the engineering department at Warrnambool City Council.

I studied a Bachelor of Engineering at university, and I have spent my professional career within the construction industry.

I remember listing Prosthetics and Orthotics as a university preference in Year 12 (plucked out of a handbook) just to satisfy the careers councillor that I’d considered other options!

My career in construction has been varied – from strengthening the West Gate Bridge to commissioning a new sewer pump station at the Twelve Apostles Visitor Facility during a pandemic (difficult to do with no sewage!).

I have loved being a part of the construction industry although it has been challenging at times being a female in a male-dominated sector.

Female representation has increased greatly since I graduated from university, however, there is still a long way to go.

I encourage any female student considering a career in STEM to embrace the opportunities; there’s only one way to change the status quo, and that is to be a part of that change.

After 13 years in Melbourne and a 4-month travel stint through Europe, Africa, and Australia, I made the decision to move ‘home’. I have now been in Warrnambool for 7 years and recently joined the engineering department at Warrnambool City Council. I work alongside the same Engineer that I did my Year 10 work experience with - ahhh, the circle of life!

I enjoy a great work-life balance which allows me to pursue my other passions through volunteering, sport, and travel.

David Paton (OGC 2003)

From school, I went to Latrobe University Bundoora in 2004, to study a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) alongside a Bachelor of Business with a major in Finance, which laid the foundation for my career.

In 2007, I started working for Glencore Grain, a multinational business, during the period of wheat deregulation in the Australian market. Witnessing and contributing to the company’s growth, we managed to secure a remarkable 20% market share in just five years.

Subsequently, I transitioned into the grain market consultancy business, which allowed me to work closely with farmers and traders in the dairy and grain industries, offering insights

and support based on my extensive experience.

More recently, I established my own consultancy business (Check Please Pty Ltd) in the dairy, grain and commodity sectors. We provide extensive brokering and advice services. Furthermore, we are about to embark on a software development initiative aimed at delivering tailored commodity price information to farmers and other stakeholders.

In 2018, I married my partner, Charlotte, and we have two children, Evie born in 2019 and Florence in 2021. Balancing a fulfilling career with family life has been a journey that continues to inspire me.

Tristan Phung (OGC 2018)

After graduating in 2018, following 16 years of schooling at TGC, it was time to start the next chapter in my life. The prospect of starting University and entering the workforce was an exciting thought and I was more than ready to leave the nest. I studied Business at Swinburne University followed by a Post Grad at RMIT over a four-year period.

My chosen field of specialisation was Logistics and Supply Chain Management and after a well-needed two-month holiday in Europe postcompletion, I found a job at Cargill, a global commodity trading firm.

During my six-month tenure at Cargill I oversaw the coordination of the NSW Export Program, which involved managing the export of agricultural products from New South Wales to international markets. Subsequently,

I made a career shift and am now working for Arrotex Pharmaceuticals, based in Richmond.

Whilst the Pharmaceutical industry differs significantly from Agriculture, I have found fulfilment in finding solutions to bottlenecks that are crucial to providing drugs to patients that facilitate necessary health care.

A central aspect of my role is optimising the supply of high-end drugs that alleviate the symptoms of individuals with various types of cancer. With this responsibility brings great motivation to keep innovating and working for Arrotex Pharmaceuticals!

Going forward I am looking at gaining more experience, growing as a person and perhaps working overseas.

Ellie Nigro (OGC 2018)

I am nearing the end of my Bachelor of Laws/Arts degree at Monash University. Despite persistent lockdowns, I was fortunate to complete part of my studies overseas.

In January 2020, I studied Sustainable Development in Prato, Italy. This included a field trip to Venice – a tourist hotspot that attracts ‘false excursionists’ who significantly disrupt an already fragile environment. We explored ways in which stakeholders can work collectively towards a more sustainable tourism industry – one that balances environmental protection with socio-economic factors.

I have also recently returned from studying international law in the

Hague. I was fortunate enough to learn from highly regarded professors from Duke University (USA) and Leiden University (The Netherlands). We also had the opportunity to visit the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice, which truly brought what we studied to life.

As for now, I am about to undertake vacation clerkships at Herbert Smith Freehills, King & Wood Mallesons and Allens. I am interested in pursuing commercial law as it’s a diverse area of law that will allow me to explore many of my interests. I am particularly eager to learn about how law firms are advising some of the largest corporations on achieving their sustainability goals and obligations.

Mimmi Balaam (OGC 2018)

I have been incredibly fortunate to attend The University of Miami, in Florida USA for my tertiary education where I am on the Women’s Rowing Team, whilst studying for a Bachelor of Science.

The opportunity to train and row in a competitive setting, whilst studying at an international institution has played a pivotal role in my personal and academic development. We compete against 18 Universities along the East Coast and I enjoy competing across the country and rowing with girls from Spain, France, Serbia, Poland and the Netherlands.

I am now in my final undergraduate semester, completing a Major in Sports Management and plan to pursue a Masters Degree next year.

This year I completed a 9-week internship at TLA, a sports marketing agency in Melbourne and it was an experience that provided valuable insights into the lives of professional athletes and a deeper understanding of the responsibilities of a sports agent.

I strongly encourage anyone interested in advancing their studies and pursuing athletics at a high standard, to consider applying to study in the United States. Venture beyond your comfort zone, and gain knowledge and friendship from the diverse international community, which warmly welcomes passionate and driven Australians.