As we celebrate 30 years of Social Work at our Bendigo Campus, we’re proud to share the stories of graduates whose careers have taken them to communities across Australia and beyond.
When Emily McDonnell graduated from the Bachelor of Social Work in Bendigo in 2019, she couldn’t have known just how far her career would take her.
Since graduating, Emily has moved to the Northern Territory, where she has had the opportunity to learn, share, grow and work across nine First Nations Communities spanning more than 162,000 square kilometres. She has also worked in the international humanitarian space in the Pacific and, later this year, will support the next generation of social workers as a supervisor and field educator for students undertaking their social work placement in Nepal.
“I am really grateful for the opportunities that social work has and continues to provide me.”
Along the way, Emily has also co-authored a journal article and a book chapter over the past two years, describing both as “another wonderful learning opportunity!”
Looking back on her time at La Trobe, Emily says the Bendigo campus opened doors she never expected.
“La Trobe presented so many beautiful opportunities for me, including a semester abroad in Sweden (in the winter!), my first placement in Broken Hill and my final placement in Nepal.”
Among those experiences, one stands out most.
“A highlight was being a part of the Bendigo Association of Social work Students (BASS) and creating opportunities to connect with others from all different years!”
For anyone considering a career in social work, Emily hopes they recognise the privilege that comes with the profession.
“I think it is a real privilege to call myself a social worker and remind myself constantly of this. It is a privilege to hold hope, for when others may not be able to at the time. A privilege to give but actually receive more, learn more and share more. Social work presents so many career opportunities, and opportunities that can take you to all different spaces and places.”
