Undergraduate medal recipient Christine Larkin with vice-chancellor Professor Renee Leon at the CSU graduation ceremony. Photo: Supplied.
Charles Sturt University undergraduate medal recipient Christine Larkin says your 40s can be the perfect time to start again, after graduating this week with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours).
After three decades working in hospital administration in Wollongong, Ms Larkin is now preparing for a major career shift, having secured a role as a social worker at St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Sydney.
“It took me seven years; I started at the age of 40 as I did part-time university while working full-time at the hospital,” she said.
Balancing study with full-time work, Ms Larkin embraced life as what she describes as a “mature-aged nerd”, earning a string of high distinctions and distinctions. Her strong academic performance ultimately secured her the university’s top undergraduate medal.
“There’s a lot of other older students at CSU, which made the journey so much better. At times you’re around 20-year-olds and on placements when I was their parents’ age. But you learn a lot from them; they learn from you.”
Graduating at 47, Ms Larkin said her decision to return to study reflected a broader reality about modern working life.
“We are all living longer and will probably live into our 70s. So if you’re in your 40s, you’re only halfway through your working life. There’s so much more you can do to expand your mind and life,” she said.
“I started studying at the beginning of 2019. I chose CSU because they have an awesome platform for online learning. I was able to work my studies around my work. I have done most of my degree virtually, but I’ve come to Wagga a lot for residential schools.”
She is now encouraging others in a similar stage of life to take the leap.
“Definitely do it. It’s such a supportive environment. We bring a wealth of knowledge and life experience, when you’re dealing with people at the most vulnerable time of their lives.”
Ms Larkin was among 617 students who graduated in Wagga this week, part of a cohort spanning a wide range of disciplines.
The most popular courses among local graduates included the Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy and Hygiene), Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Bachelor of Social Work.
Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon said the institution continued to lead nationally in graduate outcomes.
“Our graduate starting salaries are also among the highest,” she said.
“We are internationally recognised across many fields, including health, business, agriculture, environmental science, IT, communications, education, social work and others.
“With more than 80 per cent of our graduates living and working in the regions, this graduating class will bring much-needed skills and expertise to regional towns, cities and communities.”
The Wagga graduates are among more than 1800 students completing their studies across 16 ceremonies at Charles Sturt’s six regional campuses throughout April and May.
