Marjorie’s journey inspiring the next generation of public health professionals
Marjorie Devereux knows firsthand how a well-supported placement can shape a career. A Deakin graduate now working at St John Ambulance Victoria, she’s come full circle moving from student to supervisor and now helping to guide the next generation of public health and health promotion professionals.
A degree with purpose
Marjorie chose Deakin for our specialised Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion, drawn to the course’s strong community focus and practical learning. She developed skills in epidemiology, health policy and program planning, applying them in real-world settings throughout her studies.
'The best part about studying at Deakin was all the support I got… it was a really great social environment for me to learn and grow into an adult in my own right.'
Clarity in placement
Her defining experience came during a placement with Life Saving Victoria where she worked on the Swim Safe program supporting pool safety among culturally diverse communities. Initially unsure about her career direction, the placement gave her clarity and confidence.
She credits her supervisor Rhiannon for making the experience so impactful. 'My supervisor was amazing – no question was too small. She trusted me to do things I never thought a student would get to do.' That trust and responsibility left a lasting impression and inspired Marjorie to one day supervise students herself.
Placement was key for me in my career… it made me realise I was on the right track and that I really do enjoy this work.
Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion
From graduate to community leader
After graduating in 2020, Marjorie joined St John Ambulance Victoria as a Community Development and Engagement Officer. She now leads programs such as Defib in Your Street and CPR Lab, delivering life-saving education directly to communities.
Her placement experience meant she was able to contribute from day one. It also gave her the confidence to step into leadership roles early in her career.
Becoming a supervisor
Encouraged by Deakin’s work-integrated learning team, Marjorie took on two public health and health promotion placement students, Madeleine and Emma, at St John. She was eager to give them the same kind of meaningful experience she once had.
'That experience inspired me to want to supervise students myself and give them the same hands-on opportunities.' She made sure they were involved in real projects, not just background tasks.
'It was important to me that their experience wasn’t just grunt work. They were involved in events as well and felt part of the workplace.' With support from her manager, Marjorie took responsibility for recruitment and supervision, further building her leadership skills.
'It was actually my boss who said, ‘Great idea, you can take responsibility for hiring and supervising the students.’ That gave me the confidence that I could do it.'
Mutual benefits for organisations
Marjorie found the experience of supervising both rewarding and energising. The students brought fresh ideas, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn; all qualities that added value to the team. 'The students have been a perfect fit – bubbly, willing to give anything a go – and I’m so thankful for them… They reconnect me with the purpose of my role.'
Both students were later offered ongoing roles at St John, demonstrating the mutual value of well-supported placements.
Why hosting students matters
Marjorie’s story highlights the long-term impact of Deakin’s placement program. What starts as a student opportunity often grows into something much bigger, both for the student and for the organisation that hosts them. 'If you’re considering hosting students from Deakin, do it. They’ve been absolutely instrumental in our work.'
She now advocates for other organisations to take on students, helping build a stronger, more skilled public health workforce. 'I want our students to walk away knowing that public health is impactful. And that even as graduates, their ideas are valuable.'
Want to start your own journey from student to public health leader? Explore health and community services courses at Deakin.
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