Naomi von Senff

Coroners Clerk, Opera Singer and Writer

Graduated in:

1995

Course completed:

Bachelor of Arts, majoring in literature and strategic studies

Currently working for:

NSW Attorney General - State Coroners Court

How long have you been working for this organisation?

2000

Position title and short job description:

• State Coroners Clerk
• Opera singer

Working highlight so far:

• Seeing the Wentworth and Mildura area as part of my day job for the Coroner.
• Performing “Figaro in the outback” with Opera Hunter as part of the Queensland Music Festival at Longreach.
• Presenting an academic paper on geographic boundaries in contemporary vampire fiction to the International Gothic Association at the University of Heidelberg (Germany) last year.

My most embarrassing moment at work:

Having to pull out of the operetta "The merry widow" on opening night because I got hospitalised two week before giving birth. Weeks of intense rehearsals and ugly costumes and no performance fee because I couldn't go on stage.

What are the things you enjoy most about your job?

Variety - when Court is sitting anything can happen. I also sing opera for Newcastle Festival Opera - so I get to see the full range of performances.

An area in which you have needed assistance:

Balancing needs and wants.

What do you intend to do in the future?

• I intend to continue to present academic papers at International and National conferences - I am a member of the International Gothic Association, International Association for the Study of Popular Music, Musicological Society of Australia, and the Coroners Society.
• I self published my first volume of Gothic short stories, poetry and photographs last year called “My Brothers Keeper” and I want to expand some of the stories into novels.
• While in Vietnam last year I received renewed inspiration for a musical project and I will finish writing the music now that I have a better understanding of Vietnamese folk song. 
• I am training for my first half-marathon in September, and looking forward to ski-season.

#1 tip for current students studying your course:

Enjoy the flexibility. Deakin's Arts course equips you with great diversity to move into any role, or to access further study. Since graduating from Deakin I have undertaken further studies. I have sang opera, been accepted as the first Australian at the Mozarteum, written an opera libretto, worked for the taxation office as an auditor, I am a JP and Assistant Coroner, and currently work in a legal area.

I have been able to pursue what I love doing (performing and writing) and keep a steady and interesting job (with a steady income), which has given me the opportunity to invest in shares, properties, antiques and travel. It is a wonderful course that gives an opportunity for a student to develop broader interests and the ability to move into new and exciting career paths.

Don’t ever give up - adapt to change and create new horizons for yourself. Whether you want to be an academic, an office worker, a performer or simply a new and improved version of yourself, a Deakin degree is a fantastic stepping stone to whatever career path you choose.