$30,000 scholarship changes the life of a Deakin student

The CareSuper Scholarship in Financial Planning has allowed Bachelor of Commerce student Ms Coon to focus on her studies without the pressures of part-time work and a long commute to campus.

“I can’t wait to meet the people from CareSuper face-to-face and thank them personally and explain how much this has changed everything for me,” she said.

“It’s making a huge difference. I have more time to study and get on top of everything.”

The scholarship also gave Ms Coon the opportunity to look for work experience in her chosen field. She secured a traineeship with a financial business in Warrnambool.

CareSuper CEO Julie Lander said the scholarship aimed to reward students who achieve outstanding results in spite of difficult circumstances.  It was also part of the Fund’s commitment to quality financial planning.

“By supporting the study expenses of future financial planners, we give them the opportunity to become the kind of highly skilled professionals we recommend to our members,” Ms Lander said.

Katelyn is very happy with her choice to major in financial planning.

“When I finished Year 12 in Hamilton I wasn’t 100 per cent sure of what I wanted to do. I chose commerce because I knew I wanted something to do with business,” she said.

“I can now see a career in financial planning. There are so many opportunities in Warrnambool. I’m good at maths and accounting so it made sense for me to do it.”

“The course is great and living on res has been a great way to meet people.”

Ms Lander was delighted that the scholarship had given Katelyn more time to focus on her studies.

“We acknowledge that distance can present a significant challenge for regional students. If we can help them gain access to quality education we really are investing in the future.”

Ms Lander also said that the scholarship was an opportunity to make younger people more aware of super.

“By helping students make a few key decisions as they enter the workforce, we can set them up for future success.”

CareSuper is an award-winning superannuation fund, for professionals. This is the inaugural year of the CareSuper Scholarship in Financial Planning.