Life after College

We chat to Old Collegians from the recent OGCA Reunions (Class of 2004 and 1994) about their journeys and experiences since leaving College.

Emile Devrome (OGC 2004)

After graduating from school in 2004, I moved to England to complete a gap year and travel. I then completed a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne. While I originally set out to become a lawyer, I quickly learned that my natural interest was in commerce, and so focused on a career in finance.

After enjoying a 9-month world tour to see the sites, I started my career at KordaMentha, working in restructuring and turnaround. After three years I pivoted to investment banking at Credit Suisse.

In 2016 I joined Goldman Sachs, and in 2018 I transferred to New York. In 2019 my wife and I welcomed our first child and then found ourselves in the depths of COVID-19 living in an apartment in the West Village – a truly unforgettable and eye-opening experience.

After relocating back to Australia in 2021 and moving firms to UBS, I now live in Carlton North with my wife, and three sons under 5. When not chasing after kids, we’re always on the hunt for our next renovation project, so I suppose we’re suckers for punishment.

Sam Sawade (OGC 2004)

After graduating from College I joined the Royal Australian Air Force and went to the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra, where I studied a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History and English. Three years later I packed up and moved to Tamworth, NSW to undergo pilot training.

Sometimes life throws curveballs, and after an unsuccessful attempt at pilot training, I changed my specialisation to Air Traffic Control.

I spent time in Sale and Perth while in the RAAF, with my biggest highlight being part of the multinational operation in search of MH370 in 2014. In 2015 I departed the military for a job in the civilian sector.

I worked at the Perth Airport Control Tower for five years, before moving to Karratha in northwest WA as an ATC Supervisor. In January we will be returning to Geelong, and I will be instructing new air traffic controllers in Melbourne!

While I was at College, I knew that I wanted to go to the Air Force and be a pilot. I was able to tailor my learning to suit the job and this helped immensely in the recruiting process.

This career didn’t pan out as expected, but one thing I did learn from TGC was resilience in the face of disappointment.

I was able to pivot from a lifelong dream that unfortunately was no longer an option, to building a successful career in an industry and role that I love. I didn’t dwell, I just moved forward.

We are excited about the next chapter and returning to The Geelong College community, with my two boys starting at the Junior School in 2025.

Joel Carnegie (OGC 2004)

How do you sum up 20 years?

Thankfully, I’m not who I was at graduation, though some things have stayed the same— storytelling and music and I now combine both as the Evenings Presenter on ABC Classic, sharing concerts, stories, and late-night music with listeners across Australia and the world.

My journey began with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the University of Melbourne, with time studying at Kunstuniversität Graz in Austria, followed by a Master of Arts (Media & Communications) from Swinburne University. I then went back overseas, with my radio/audio work airing on media outlets in the UK, Canada, USA and Germany.

Now back in Geelong with my husband, Tom Molyneux (OGC 2009), and our two dogs, other recent life highlights have included: producing Audible’s first Australian podcast series; producing/ performing in the award-winning theatre show “Stardust + The Mission” which toured 45 cities across Australia; leading the development and premiere of the mainstage theatre show rescue drama “Hells Gates”; and as a Musical Director, leading an inclusive orchestra in Geelong, called Awkwardstra Geelong, welcoming all musicians. Join us: www.awkwardstrageelong.com.au. To those starting out: I’d say: stay curious, embrace life as it happens, and trust yourself in going with what feels right.

Follow Joel on Instagram: www.instagram.com/joel.carnegie Connect with Joel on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joelcarnegie/