Caitlin Roberts had a bumpy start to her studies – finding the transition from high school to uni tough. "At Uni no one tells you off if you don’t get the work done, you have to be completely self motivated!  You become in charge of your study and it’s so important to be organised and stay on top of the work. I have the tendency to be easily distracted and often put work off to the last minute!”

A year’s study break proved just the thing to refocus Caitlin’s energies. “After putting in little effort, I only just finished my first year, almost failing. I tend to be easily distracted and just couldn’t get motivated enough, so I took some time off and travelled and worked overseas.  It was while I was away that I learnt how important it was to have qualifications, and also wanted to finish my degree for my own personal satisfaction".

"I came back to Perth and uni with a changed attitude and the drive to graduate. I started to enjoy what I was learning and wanted to go to classes to learn more, and always hand in assignments completed to 100% of my ability. I learnt that you need to be self motivated and really enjoy what you are studying.”   

Home goal with Perth Glory

After returning from her travels and focusing on her study Caitlin began an extended work placement with Perth Glory, initially organised through Curtin’s Public Relations (Professional Practice) unit.

Her hard work has paid off as Caitlin has now scored her dream job as Perth Glory’s Public Relations and Events coordinator. “I am in charge of coordinating and running match days and Glory events…, community events and corporate functions. I also write articles for the website and send out the media releases for our events. Even though this job requires weekends and late nights, I absolutely love it!”

Work and study challenge 

Caitlin is now striving to complete her studies whilst working full time – a difficult balancing act.

“It has been really tough studying full time and working full time, however the flexibility of Curtin has been fantastic. I am studying one of my units externally, which means I can study outside of work hours, and due to some time spent on my timetabling all of my contact hours fit into a day and a half. I have also been very lucky that Perth Glory has been really flexible, letting my take time of for tests etc.

“While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it (enjoy the uni lifestyle as long as possible!), it has really made a difference being able to apply real world knowledge I have learnt at work, and it makes a lot of concepts easier to understand.”

“I loved my time at uni, but I think it’s a lot like school, you don’t realise how easy it is until you’ve left!”