Life after College We chat to Old Collegians about what life has been like after College.
Dr Belinda Cardinal (OGC 1993) I left College for Deakin University, initially studying science and law but later switching to pure science. I earned a bachelor’s degree, followed by an Honours degree. Then, I completed a PhD in Genetics at The University of Melbourne and became a Genetics lecturer at Melbourne Uni. While pursuing my academic career, I started a family with two children. When my brother faced health issues, I transferred my work to Deakin Uni to be able to support him. This experience reshaped my priorities, leading me to establish a goat dairy and cheesemaking business, allowing me to work from home while indulging my passion.
Life took another turn with a separation, but I continued dairy goat farming and ventured into livestock genetics import-export. I remarried and, with my partner, successfully manage our business, involving various responsibilities like accounting, contracts, genetic analysis, and day-to-day husbandry. Highlights include speaking at international conferences, publishing papers on new bat species, and importing a new sheep breed to Australia after two decades - the Valais blacknose (the cutest sheep in the world). My advice to students: Embrace unexpected opportunities; you never know where they might lead you.
Dr Nisha Menzies Brown (OGC 1993) I knew my career needed to involve in-depth study of baby behaviour. That led me to Occupational Therapy. With a year’s experience, I left for the UK via Africa. Here I had the unique experience of using my knowledge in an orphanage in Zimbabwe. In the UK I worked in paediatrics and completed courses on infant neuro-behaviour. When I arrived home, I was ready to chase my dream! Many calls later, I lucked upon an ambitious paediatrician and neurologist who were creating a research team to study brain development in babies, and who became my PhD supervisors. I also
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worked with babies in intensive care at the Women’s Hospital. In my private practice, I facilitate group therapy services for infants and young children in nature. Being outdoors helps families to feel that the hours of therapy they attend are more like ‘playgroup’. This facilitates peer connections and supports infant and parental mental health. I had no defined career path. But by not giving up, talking, trying different angles, and combining my passions I have found rewarding work in a speciality that I love. Importantly, private practice allows a balance between career and family.
