Careers
Pathways to Success
I’m Courtney Jones, a past student of St Mary’s College, graduating in 2020 before continuing to Seymour College for my VCE studies, which I completed in 2022.
I’m now lucky enough to be working as a Graduate Paramedic with NSW Ambulance, based in Narooma on the South Coast. Those who know the area will understand just how fortunate I feel to be living and working in such a beautiful part of the country.
At Seymour College, I completed VCE subjects including Mathematical Methods, Chemistry, Biology, English and Literature. I really enjoyed school, particularly the sciences, and had always been interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. Unfortunately, my Year 12 didn’t go quite as I had hoped due to some personal circumstances, and I was ultimately quite disappointed with my ATAR.
I was incredibly grateful for the support I received from the careers team at Seymour College, who helped me explore alternative pathways into university. They directed me towards a pathway through Victoria University, where I completed a Diploma of Emergency Healthcare before progressing into the second year of the Bachelor of Paramedicine. This pathway gave me a strong foundation and valuable placement experience, without adding any additional time to my degree. I was still able to complete my Bachelor of Paramedicine within three years.
I know students hear this message often, but I genuinely believe my journey is proof that there are so many different pathways to where you want to go. As much as I hope everyone achieves the results they’re working towards — and you absolutely deserve to after 13 years of schooling — it’s important to remember that a number does not define the rest of your journey.
I was fortunate enough to apply to NSW Ambulance and receive an offer relatively quickly. I moved to Sydney in June, initially spending six weeks at Sydney Olympic Park completing my induction. It was an amazing experience, before heading down to Narooma around eight weeks ago to begin working on the road as a trainee paramedic.
The job has already been incredibly rewarding, and I’m so glad I chose this path. As someone who was initially quite undecided about what area of the medical field I wanted to pursue, paramedicine has been a great fit. No two days are the same, and working in a regional area gives us a lot of independence and responsibility, particularly given the limited resources available in rural and regional communities. I feel that this has allowed me to develop quickly, both professionally and personally.
I feel incredibly privileged to put on the uniform every day, and it’s pretty special to think that this journey all started with the support and guidance I received at St Mary’s during my early years of study.
Mrs Taryn Kneebone
Careers Advisor