Where Are They Now?

This year we're celebrating our past students who have gone on to bigger and better things! In each issue, an ex VUSC student will give our school community an insight into their journey out of secondary schooling and into their chosen pathway. 

If you are a past student, or know of a past student who would be willing to share their journey, please email kristy.muratore@education.vic.gov.au.

Emre Salih

Graduated: 2022       Age: 21

Area of study: Bachelor of Information Technology

Can you describe your study/career journey so far?

My journey began when I was around five years old, after seeing an iMac for the first time. I became fascinated with Apple products and spent most of my school years determined to become an Apple Service Technician.

After Year 12, I didn't achieve the ATAR required for my intended pathway, so I took an alternative route by completing a Diploma of Information Technology before progressing into a Bachelor of Information Technology, graduating in February 2026.

Outside of my studies, I had been building my photography career since the age of 15. What started as a passion gradually developed into a business - photographing birthdays, engagements and other events. Over time, I expanded beyond photography and transitioned the business into ES Create Co., my social media marketing agency, which now has 10 clients. My services include website development, social media management, content creation, photography, videography, IT support and VHS cassette conversions to preserve family memories.

Alongside running my agency, I work full-time at Renviro Power as an IT & Marketing Manager and Compliance Officer. I've also had the opportunity to work on projects beyond my usual role, including photographing and filming an EMDRAA conference in Sydney and contributing as a filmmaker to Kıbrıs: Adanın Sesleri, a film project celebrating stories connected to Cyprus.

My journey has taken me well beyond the career I originally pictured as a child, and I'm proud that I've been able to combine my technical and creative interests into a career that continues to grow.

How did you become interested in your career pathway and what were your motivations for pursuing this career?

Technology has always been something that interested me, but what motivated me to pursue IT was the opportunity to turn that childhood curiosity into practical skills and a career.

During secondary school, I spoke with the careers team about my ambition to work at Apple. Rather than simply encouraging me to follow that one goal, they inspired me to think bigger and consider the wider opportunities available through technology. Those conversations helped me look beyond becoming a technician and consider where an IT qualification could take me.

As I gained more experience in photography, I discovered that I also enjoyed the creative and business sides of my work. I became interested in how technology, websites and digital marketing could help businesses establish themselves and reach more customers.

Eventually, I realised I didn't have to choose between my technical and creative interests. I could build a career that brought them together. That's what motivated me to grow ES Create Co. while developing my professional career at Renviro Power.

What did you do whilst at secondary school to prepare for your chosen career pathway? (e.g. VCE subjects, expos, work experience)

During secondary school, I spent a lot of time exploring my interest in technology and thinking about how I could turn it into a career. My original ambition was to work at Apple, so I was particularly interested in computers and digital products.

At the age of 15, I also began pursuing photography professionally. This gave me an early opportunity to learn outside the classroom by working with clients, managing bookings, meeting deadlines and developing my creative abilities.

Although photography was different from my original IT career goal, it helped me build valuable communication, organisation and problem-solving skills. It also introduced me to the responsibilities of running a business, which later became an important part of my career.

What advice do you have for other students who are interested in pursuing your career pathway?

My biggest piece of advice is to remember that not getting the result you wanted at school doesn't mean you've failed or run out of opportunities.

I didn't achieve the ATAR I needed for my original plan, but I found another way forward through a diploma and eventually completed my bachelor's degree. There is rarely only one route to a successful career, so don't let one setback define what you believe you're capable of achieving.

I'd also encourage students to explore their interests early. You don't need to wait until you finish university to gain experience or start building something of your own. My photography journey began at 15, and the skills I developed then eventually helped me establish a marketing agency.

Most importantly, don't feel pressured to have your entire future figured out while you're still at school. Your interests will evolve, new opportunities will appear, and you may discover strengths you never knew you had.