Paige turns to crime for a life in the lab
Like many school leavers, working out what she wanted to study at uni was a bit of a challenge for Paige Smith. She had a passion for all things science from a very young age, but where to start?
ECU Extra
Welcome to our content hub, the home of thought-provoking or simply helpful articles about everything from building your personal brand to university pathways, learning in practice, employability tips, graduate stories and much more.
Featured
Featured articles
Allied Health offers rewarding careers you may not have heard of
When people talk about the 'medical profession' they tend to focus on doctors and nurses. And while those professions are vital, there are other healthcare specialists who are equally critical to ensuring people enjoy a healthy life. Welcome to Allied Health.
How a high school 'dropout' discovered the magic of physics
"If you told me 10 years ago I’d be at university studying physics, I'd have laughed at you." Meet Nathan Pittaway, a mature age uni student in the process of changing his life, one physics exam at a time.
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The ECU Experience
The ECU Experience articles
Why Jacob was bowled over by his UK study experience
Cricket mad cybercrime student Jacob Oskam has just spent a year studying in the UK as part of a unique dual degree program. He says it's the best thing he's ever done.
Kaidyn's first taste of engineering leaves first class impressions
Kaidyn McLennan's interest in engineering was sparked building Lego and remote-controlled cars with his dad. His first semester of uni gave him a huge sample of engineering fields to help him decide his future.
Jerry looks back to go forward with a career switch
"Don't think about the million reasons things will not work out. Think about the one reason it will." Wise words from Jerry Schweitzer, mature age student and career switcher who found his reason by recalling childhood memories.
Why biology is a great foundation for Madison's future career
Madison Martin was passionate about biology in high school and knew that it was the only topic she wanted to explore further. Until university, she didn’t realise how much further that could be.
Career switcher Natasha sets her mind to teaching
Natasha Hennessy completed her first degree in Counter Terrorism, has studied advanced diplomas, run a full-time business, had two children, and is now studying to be a primary school teacher.
Amber turns green in pursuit of a sustainable career
Sustainability is defined as the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time. And Amber Anderson wants to be a leader in this growing field, where professionals are in demand.
Preparing for Employment
Preparing for Employment articles
Hamish lands on his feet with a uni study tour
There's more to university than lectures and assignments. Did you know you can enhance your understanding of your chosen subject by travelling overseas as part of your studies? Hamish Hennessy does.
Why we need engineers who are leaders
The world's greatest ever engineers were more than inventors and creative thinkers. They were also leaders with a brain for business opportunities. Today, more than ever, the world needs engineers who are leaders. Will you be one of them?
Kira composes her own professional music career
Launching a professional music career is way more than being a great performer. Music graduate Kira Gunn understands this well, boldly embarking on a career as a freelance harpist.
Creative thinking leads to sustainable solution for hospitality industry
A team of Australian university students rose to the challenge in an international competition, pitching an innovative water-saving idea to reduce costs and enhance sustainability for hotels.
The psychology of a career switcher: Brooke's story
Brooke Taylor's background is in psychology. But when her kids started school, it reignited her passion for child development and led to a career change.
Why Choose ECU
Why Choose ECU articles
Cohen turns a full circle to kick career goal
Cohen Stickland says he was 'lucky' as a student to get an opportunity to do an internship at the West Coast Eagles Football Club. But he now knows it takes a lot more than luck to achieve your career goal.
From Pepsi can to yes I can: Rhiarn's story
Rhiarn Snowden arrived early in life and was about the size of a Pepsi can. But it was a can with a lot of fizz. Overcoming many personal challenges, she is now on a path to a nursing career, thanks to the support of family and her university.
How a truly inclusive university extends their mission to student employability
It's one thing to say you're all about your students. But does this recognise ALL students, and their diversity of lived experiences? And does this go beyond study support to helping them prepare for employment?
How Perth is getting a new heart and why we're pumped
OK, Perth city is not on life support. It's moving along nicely as WA's growing capital. But it's getting a serious boost in early 2026 and it's going to be exciting.
Matt Styles: A versatile saxophonist and inspiring educator
There aren't too many universities in Australia that can say one of their employees has worked with the likes of Ben Folds, Diana Ross, Dave Weckl, Paul Grabowsky, Tim Minchin, Olivia Newton John and many more.
How your business can benefit from a partnership with ECU
Ever wondered how you can tap into the resources of a university like us? Collaborating with ECU can lead to many benefits for your business and for your staff. Here's how.
Preparing for Uni
Preparing for Uni articles
How to find your way into early childhood education
Highly qualified early childhood educators are in demand in Western Australia and across Australia. Ultimately, you'll need a uni degree, but a new diploma pathway can shorten the length of your university study.
Janice wins big for academic excellence and study-life balance
Balancing your studies with life responsibilities like two kids is tough. But Janice Simons has a secret weapon – an amazing support network of family and friends who contributed to her university success.
Talent doesn't guarantee a successful future. A little financial support helps
Being a WAAPA student is as intensive as it is exciting. But trying to fit part-time work into a schedule that includes hours of study, practise, rehearsals and performances is a challenge.
Look beyond the lectures when choosing uni courses
Been trawling uni websites wondering how to choose between courses with similar names? Here's an idea. Choose a university where studying a degree involves more than lectures and assignments.
Choose the culture and the course in deciding a university
Helping your daughter or son choose a university course can be tricky. Especially when multiple unis offer the same course. The answer is to look at what else is being offered.
How to get back into studying as a uni student
Had a few years in the workforce and wondering how you'd cope with study? You're not alone. But many people do it every year and universities know how to help them.
The WA Experience
The WA Experience articles
Where on earth can you live in Perth?
If you're moving to Perth to study, you have all kinds of options – from living on a university campus to sharing a house with new friends or even staying with a family.
What on earth can you do in Perth?
Quite a lot actually. The weather helps. Sure, we have a winter, but even that season won't dampen your exploratory spirits. There's so much to see and do here.
Why on earth would you live in Perth?
You should probably ask the 2 million people who've chosen this wonderful capital city to answer that. But Perth is arguably one of Australia's best kept secrets.
How one international student discovered the beauty of Western Australia
Study abroad student Mario Conradt came to Western Australia from Germany as part of his engineering degree. Mario also found time to explore this vast and vibrant part of Australia.