Alumni Spotlight

On Wednesday 29th October we welcomed back Berwick College Alumni Natalie Scanlon and Jarrod Potter to speak with our year 11 Media students about their careers and pathways in the media industry.

Both shared valuable insights into how the media landscape has evolved from print to digital, along with lessons in resilience, adaptability, and embracing change when life doesn’t go exactly to plan.

Nat Scanlon, Producer of the In the Arena with Cameron Schwab podcast, Content Manager for designCEO, and Founder of WritComm, spoke about how her communications degree gave her the foundation to start her own copywriting company. After working as a negotiator with the Financial Ombudsman Service, she saw first-hand the importance of clear communication in business and law. Nat credits much of her success to the mentorship of Cameron Schwab, who she describes as one of the most influential people in her life.Nat reflected fondly on her time at Berwick College, saying Ms Cusack was “the best teacher I have ever had” and that being introduced to 'To Kill a Mockingbird', remains a defining memory.

Jarrod Potter, now Senior Media Advisor at Major Road Projects Victoria, shared how his love for writing and news led him to a Bachelor of Communications at Monash University and a career spanning more than 15 years in journalism and communications. From the thrill of reporting at the MCG to telling stories behind Victoria’s biggest infrastructure projects like the West Gate Tunnel and North East Link, Jarrod spoke about finding purpose and passion in storytelling. Jarrod also reflected warmly on his school days — from winning the year 12 swimming championship to playing endless games of foursquare near the senior locker bay. Both Nat and Jarrod shared how much they enjoyed reconnecting with our students and expressed their enthusiasm to return next year to continue inspiring the next generation of media professionals. Nat also praised our Media teacher, Jesse Nugent, saying, “He is creating such a great space and positive conditions for kids to succeed.”

It was a fantastic morning filled with curiosity, inspiration and connection. Thank you, Nat and Jarrod, for sharing your journeys and giving back to the Berwick College community

Do you know an alum of Berwick College with a great story, and perhaps someone willing to come back and inspire the next generation of Berwick graduates? Get in touch, and email us at alumni@berwickcollege.vic.edu.au