Women practising their gridiron moves
ECU Counter Terrorism Security and Intelligence graduate Leah Armand.
Leah recently graduated from ECU with a Bachelor of Counter Terrorism Security and Intelligence degree.
And yes, that's a very long title for a course.
Leah says her greatest challenge during her degree was juggling being a full-time student, a full-time mother with two kids, a FIFO wife, running the household and working part-time.
Time management anyone?
Leah clearly has that in spades and says these skills, although soft skills, will prepare you for your career.
Growing up, Leah had a hero, Mr Pastor, who was one of her school teachers.
"He was the person who encouraged me to undertake extracurricular activities and volunteer work to enhance my life experience. It aided in me becoming the persistent, caring and hard-working person I am today," says Leah.
"I remember getting an award presented by him and he said that I wear my heart on my sleeve.
"Those words stuck with me, and I know that when I have my heart set on something, I will push to achieve it."
Achieving is believing
Speaking of achieving, we should mention that Leah played gridiron for Australia.
She was also Quarterback and Co-Captain of the Western Australia Angels.
By now, you shouldn't be surprised.
Leah says her biggest achievement study-wise was maintaining a distinction average in her units.
And obtaining permanent employment in her dream job prior to completing her degree is another thing she's proud of.
Grabbing opportunities
At the completion of her first year, Leah undertook an internship at Perth Airport within the Security function.
"The internship was such a valuable experience. I learnt so much, I gained experience within the fields I wanted to work in, and I made amazing connections whom I am still in contact with now," she says.
Leah also undertook a work placement (called work integrated learning at ECU) with the Western Australian Police Force as part of her major.
She even gained contracted employment with WA Police as a Security and Risk Support Officer during the placement.
Seeing a pattern here?
Turning a uni degree into a career isn't a matter of turning up for lectures and doing well in your assignments and exams.
It's about taking advantage of every opportunity along the way, including internships, practicums or volunteering.
Thinking Security & Intelligence studies?
In choosing what to study, especially as a mature age student, Leah wanted to enrol in a degree that really struck an interest and that had excellent potential career outcomes.
"The degree I completed does not have a singular career outcome – it can take you in so many directions based on the interests you obtain while studying," she says.
What more could you want?
