Where Are They Now? 

Former Student Interview

Blake Britten

Wee Waa High School 2013 Captain, Blake Britten, always knew he’d build a career in the real estate industry. He’d been thinking about it since primary school and explained recently, ‘I was always clear about what I wanted to do. I had an image of what real estate would be like; beautiful homes, nice cars, styling homes ready for open house. I think it might have started at home, Mum and I always loved to reorganise the furniture in our house and change things up. We’d be always thinking about how we could make our home look its best.’

 

‘Being school captain and all of the opportunities that bought with it; leadership camps, running assemblies, advocating for students and everything else it bought with it really taught me a lot of people skills, leadership and how to engage a broad range of people.’ 

 

When I started Year 7, Lorraine Haddon had just commenced as Principal. She was cool, calm and collected and she really had a great impact on me. Rhiannon Baxter was another member of staff that had a huge impact. She bought a different approach compared to anything I'd experienced before. She as very passionate and up until Mrs Baxter, I wasn't very passionate about English or many of my subjects in my early years of high school, but she opened my eyes to words, language and expression.’

 

‘My other favourite subjects were maths and business studies, so I was very lucky straight out of high school to secure a traineeship with local firm, C & W Accounting. I worked with them for 12 months as a gap year and learnt so much about tax returns, BAS returns, GST and financial reporting. I really enjoyed the job and the people, but came to realise that long-term I wasn't going to enjoy being in an office 9 to 5.’

 

‘So I moved to Coffs Harbour to commence a Bachelor of Business degree. Originally I thought I’d major in accounting, but after my first year I decided to take electives in HR, management and marketing. I worked at various jobs in the hospitality sector to help fund university and the first thing I did once I finished was to do my real estate certificate of registration. I did this in just under a week. I was so focused.’

 

‘My first job with a real estate agency was working in reception, administration, sales support, marketing and supporting the property management team. I loved the work. I loved getting to deal with a broad array of people and the marketing of properties was always fun. I had to push myself with thinking creatively and how we were going to pitch and present each new property listing. I thought about Mrs Baxter many times and what she taught me. I was working with this small boutique agency for a few years and I got to do a bit of everything. It was a great place to learn. Then I was ready to move to a bigger agency with strong sales growth goals so I could push my learning and experience further. I am still with this firm. They know my goal from here is to move into sales, so they are working with me to gain the experience I need to achieve this.’

 

I'm seeing my future in sales and management and possibly owning my own real estate agency. I grew up watching my parents in business and seeing that it's hard work, but there are real benefits and rewards if you're prepared to put in the work.’

 

‘Going to a small rural high school was really helpful for me. You’re not a number. I see people who go to school in the city where they are just one of many and I think how much harder it must be for those students to receive that individual tailored education I received.  There’s such an advantage with small rural schools. Each student is well known and you have a great support system. The teachers know your life story and are so supportive.’

 

‘People think that going to a country school reduces your opportunities for development, but I completely disagree with this. In fact, I'd say it's the opposite. If you’re up for it, small rural schools give you huge opportunities. I also found it gave me the skills to engage with and talk to a complete cross section of the community. Being able to talk to anyone happens pretty naturally in a small town because you know everyone.’

 

Planning ahead, even at school, is something Blake said came naturally to him. ‘I was always someone with a five year plan, but I often didn’t step back and appreciate what I had and what I had achieved. I'm more mindful of this nowadays. It’s this frame of mind, being positive and grateful for what you do have and making the most of every situation that I try to make my daily focus.’