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.

Chloe Munro

Graduated: 2018    Age: 25

Area of study: Bachelor of Psychological Studies, Masters of Counselling

Can you describe your study/career journey so far?

When I finished school I was really unsure if I’d get into university or not. I spent a lot of Year 11 and 12 struggling with my mental health and it showed up in my grades. Getting an offer into university shocked me but I was so proud of myself. I pursued a Bachelor of Psychological Studies and loved it. I found myself thriving in that course, always getting high grades (whereas in high school my grades were shocking) which ultimately led to me getting accepted in an Honours Psychology course. After trying Honours twice, I dropped out. It wasn’t for me. 

I did some research and decided I’d try a Masters of Counselling; this was my calling! I’ve found myself really enjoying and getting the most out of this course!

Outside of Uni I also work as a support worker for young people with mental health conditions or high level Autism (ASD). My favourite part of this job is having the opportunity to give young people a voice, allowing them to have fun and be heard in a world that may not understand them. 

This photo is of me at work.  I’ve blurred my client's face for privacy. This was with a client with complex mental health conditions and Cerebral Palsy. Support work can look like so many things and for her, it was ticking sky diving off her bucket list which gave her a sense of freedom and peace when her condition doesn’t always that :)

A few of the kids I’ve worked with have been non-verbal, and as someone who had been diagnosed late with selective mutism and ASD, I understood them on a personal level and giving them a voice has been such a blessing. I’m also still studying alongside this, I’m currently in my second year of Masters and I’m really excited to graduate and pursue this kind of work more!

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

Funnily enough, when I was in Year 9 and 10, I was so sure I was going to become a forensic pathologist. It seemed like such an interesting pathway. When I realised Chemistry was not my thing I switched over to Psychology and fell in love. I’d also had my own mental health challenges and seen my share of counsellors and psychologists. That’s when I decided I wanted to help other young people who may be experiencing similar things. Getting into a Bachelor of Psychological studies really solidified this for me, I loved everything about the world of psychology and I made it my personal mission to help those struggling feel seen and heard, to help them find the skills to thrive in the world. When an Honours in Psychology didn’t work out for me, I found the counselling world. This suited me and my personal goals so much more, it still relates to psychology but gives more freedom in a therapeutic space. 

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

In Year 11 and 12 I did the subjects I needed to do in order to be accepted into a Bachelor of Psychological Studies. I researched all the different types of universities that offered the course and made my decisions based on what they had to offer. I wish I could say I did more, but I didn’t. It wasn’t until I was in university that I started to volunteer for different mental health foundations and seek out jobs that were related to my chosen career pathway.

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

It’s hard, I won’t sugar coat it. No one tells you how hard it is to get into Honours for Psychology (and how lonely and competitive Honours Psych is) let alone a Masters or how statistics heavy the degree is. Don’t let that stop you though! So many of my undergraduate cohort found that Psychology wasn’t for them; it didn’t align with them and they moved on to Social Work degrees. Or like me, some moved on to a Masters of Counselling. 

I want students to know that it’s okay to figure out halfway through a university degree that it’s not for you, there are so many opportunities in the world of Mental Health care. Trial and error is allowed, there’s no race, no timeline that you have to follow. I adore Counselling, my peers are incredibly supportive, and it opens so many doors post graduation. Keep pushing if it’s something you want to do, I promise it’s incredibly rewarding! I also encourage students to volunteer at spaces like Beyond Blue and Headspace. You’ll be able to network and gain advice from the professionals who work in the field!