Alumni and Supporters

Bachelor of Business (2018)

University was the farthest thing from Lauren Thompson’s (née Menegola) mind in 2011. Aged 21, and working full time as a travel agent, Lauren’s life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.

“I underwent two bone marrow transplants and seven rounds of chemotherapy, just to put me into remission,” Lauren explains.

“It kind of gave me a restart and refresh – a fresh perspective on everything. Recovering from that took probably three to four years and in that time, I decided I didn't want to go back to full time work and I didn't want to jump back into being a travel agent. That's when I decided to go to uni.”

Setting her career on a completely different path, Lauren began studying towards her Bachelor of Business in her mid-20s, which has led to a successful career in human resources.

“I initially registered for the Bachelor of Business knowing that it’s something that would have a lot of pathways, and as I was going through doing some of the core units I decided that human resources was something that really intrigued me. So I added that as a major and management as a second major.

“My friend was working in HR and I found everything she was talking about fascinating - the passion for people, wanting to partner with the organisation to work towards business objectives. And I do love working with people. So I found it very interesting.”

Lauren took the challenges of recovering from Leukaemia in her stride while at university, graduating in 2018 with High Distinction and a slew of awards, including the highest weighted average mark for the Business Management major, as well as the Exceptional Student of the Year award.

“I was in remission by the time I got to studying, but I don't think I'll ever return to 100 per cent. I was still very fatigued. So when I started studying, the fact that I could just kind of go at my own pace, do something slower and have that flexibility until I got back into everything was what I needed.

“ECU was so supportive of my experience as well. They were so good, and that really helped me.

“I think the reason why I ended up with high distinctions and all those awards is because I cared so much more about it then,” Lauren says on studying in her mid to late 20s. “If I did a uni degree straight after school, I don't think I would have put as much effort in. I think I would have been distracted by so many other things.

“But at that age, I was determined to do really well, as if I was trying to prove something to myself.”

While completing her course, Lauren took on an internship at human resources projects administrator CGG, which led to her first job in the industry.

“I did the internship program through CGG and they actually created a role for me that didn't exist, which was so amazing.

“Initially it was a casual role so I could complete my studies, but that was what I needed - it opened all the doors for me that gave me the experience, because I think one of the hardest things is that everyone is looking for some experience in the workplace. So that literally set me up for success.”

Lauren has worked in various human resources roles and industries over the past five years, working her way up to Human Resources Advisor with Australian mining company BCI Minerals.

"One really important thing that I learned was visualise goals - make a plan for yourself before others make a plan for you.”

“After working in a few different industries I have realised that I love mining, I think it's a very fast moving industry that's quite exciting. I’m currently at BCI Minerals and we are working on an exciting project, using 99 per cent sustainable energy.”

Currently pregnant with her first child, Lauren is very much looking forward to furthering her career after her maternity leave.

“In terms of my development - my next step would be to become a Human Resources Business Partner – to partner and align with the organisation to achieve business objectives.”

And while she achieved so much in her time at ECU, it wasn’t all about studying for Lauren, who enjoyed everything from the networking opportunities to competing in the Australian University Games.

“I had so much fun at uni, honestly. I participated in the Uni Games, which was just the best experience. I formed strong friendships and I still catch up with a lot of the people I met.”

That experience also held her in good stead for the World Transplant Games held in Perth in 2023, where Lauren competed in five different events across the week, with transplant recipients from all over the world.

“It was such an incredible experience to meet so many other people that have had transplants - not just bone marrow transplants but liver, heart, kidney - all coming together for the same cause, to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation.”

Faced with more in her 20s than many have to go through in a lifetime, Lauren is well placed to share some wisdom with recent graduates.

“Say yes to every opportunity. Step out of your comfort zone. Don't be afraid to ask questions. And I think one really important thing that I learned was visualise goals - make a plan for yourself before others make a plan for you.”