KATRINA BRANDON
By KATRINA BRANDON
FEDERATION University Gippsland campus sent off another group of graduates into the working world last week, turning their tassels to the side and jumping off to the next step in their lives. From watching the graduates doff their hats going across stage, the presentation of the University Medal and the walk of the graduates through the halls – this was the day to celebrate achievements. The recipient of the University Medal, Jessica Obersby, said the day was surreal. Jessica, who graduated with a Bachelor of Environmental and Conservation Science, achieved a 7.0 GPA (Grade Point Average), took many opportunities that Federation University offered and volunteered with Wildlife Victoria. During her course, Jessica faced many challenges, especially as a student during COVID, where she would often miss opportunities in practical classes and feel a bit disconnected during lockdown periods. Jessica also mentioned that she enjoyed how much the class challenged her thinking skills. “I wish we were able to do more of the practical side of things in the course that, due to COVID, we were unable to do practical classes as much as we would have liked to,” she said. “The move from teaching and editing to science was a bit challenging because it was a shift in thinking.” Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley, said the important thing of studying through COVID was that students had to react very quickly to the external events. “It was very stressful for them as the whole world was changing. It was very challenging from a physical and mental point of view,” he said. “They had to exhibit such incredible resilience to be able to complete their studies, I think they will be very well prepared for any job circumstance. They have dealt with so much change already during their courses, so they will be ready for any challenges that the world throws at them.” Professor Bentley told the Express that Federation University was taking more steps towards helping students of today and the future to be more prepared for future careers. Federation University is starting to consult with employers to hire students while they are still studying so they can get real life experience and learn how they will transition into that job after graduating. “I think the trouble with the world in the way it teaches young people is that they have to be prepared along the way. The old-fashioned ways of doing university aren’t going to work for the modern world. Universities have to adapt to be able to work with students, with employers and with society to make sure that we’re graduating the students who are prepared for the world,” Professor Bentley said. Jessica advises that future students should use everything they can get from Federation University as there are lots of resources available. “Talk to lecturers whenever you can about classes so that you can get a greater understanding of the classes,” she said. Now, Jessica is moving onto her Masters of Applied Science with Federation University next year while working with East Gippsland Shire in Bairnsdale with many environmental science opportunities. The ceremony was emotional for the graduates and left them with many messages such as one from their graduate speaker, Erica D’Angelo: “Have faith in how far you can go … let’s challenge the status quo.”
