Alumni in profile

Deakin arts graduate, Deborah Briggs, says deciding to use her degree to work as a counsellor has proven very rewarding.

'My work involves counselling people with addiction problems and helping their families. I conduct group therapy for people with addiction problems, in particular gambling, and help to educate the community about problem gambling. I really enjoy counselling people one-on-one and helping making a difference in their lives by supporting them through their problems and helping to bring about community awareness,' she says.

An academic high-achiever, Deborah graduated from Deakin in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Anthropology, and in the fourth year of her studies was inducted into the Deakin Golden Key National Honour Society in recognition of her outstanding academic achievements. Deborah had previously completed courses in counselling, Asian history and creative writing.

Thoroughly loving her current work-describing it as her 'dream job', Deborah is employed as an addictions counsellor and community educator with Relationships Australia in south-east Queensland and is an accredited qualified member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

After almost nine years spent as a mature-age student studying off campus part time and having to endure what she describes as some rather 'unsavoury' administrative jobs along the way, Deborah is pleased she chose Deakin to help fulfil her dream.

'My time with Deakin was one of the most rewarding of my life-even though I was a distance education student. I found Deakin's learning materials to be well written, well presented and researched, and the lecturers were always accessible either by phone or email. I liked the standard of professionalism, the willingness of staff to help with any concerns and their eagerness to support students. I really enjoyed the learning process and being able to do it at my own pace and in my own time.'

'I would definitely recommend studying by distance education to any prospective students who are unable to attend on campus,' she says.

With some hard work and dedication, Deborah believes university study is a great way for prospective mature-age students to achieve their goals in life.

'I am pleased that I took the plunge to undertake my degree despite some initial misgivings. My hard work and persistence has certainly paid off and I cannot encourage mature-age students enough to pursue their goals and dreams doggedly-it worked for me!'

Always one to plan for the future, Deborah won't be lost to the University for long as she forecasts an eventual return to study at Deakin.

'I am currently undertaking postgraduate studies in applied psychology and intend to continue studying in other specialist therapeutic fields. I have my eye on the Master of Psychoanalytic Studies at Deakin after the completion of my current course. '

Back to Alumni in profile