Counselling graduate spoilt for job choice
When Elizabeth (Lizzy) Shelbourne finished her Wintec counselling degree she hoped to find a job – what she didn’t expect was to have the luxury of choosing between two.
The 38-year-old completed Wintec’s Bachelor of Applied Social Science in 2016 and has since landed herself a full-time counselling role at an organisation in New Plymouth, where she is now based.
However this wasn’t the only role she was offered – Lizzy, who is from Rotorua, interviewed for two roles and was successful in both.
She selected a role with an organisation that offers all types of counselling but specialises in sexual abuse counselling and the treatment of harmful sexual behaviour.
Lizzy said having the luxury of choice was humbling and she credited Wintec for helping her prepare for both the job interview process and her subsequent career.
“Studying has impacted my life in multiple ways. It has challenged me, opened my mind and expanded my knowledge. I think I'm a bit of a learning addict now and will always be looking to grow further. It set me up for an exciting new career and I've made life-long friendships along the way.”
Lizzy began her study journey as an adult student while running a wholesale jewellery business.
“I was ready for a change. I had been doing the jewellery thing for ten years and wanted a career with a little more soul food. Maybe that happens as you get older. I hit my thirties and started to think with more of a social conscience.”
She said studying as an adult wasn’t without its challenges, including travelling from Rotorua to Hamilton for classes.
“Financially it’s a huge commitment and time is a big factor. Study requires a lot of your time and sometimes life gets in the way. I found the tutors at Wintec really supportive and helpful when personal life challenges came up that affected my ability to get assignments in on time. The best part is that study challenges the way you think which encourages personal growth.”
Her dedication to study was recognised recently when she was awarded the Top 2016 Graduate in the Bachelor of Applied Social Science at a special awards ceremony held during Wintec’s graduation week.
Lizzy is feeling optimistic about her future.
“Right now I feel like the world is my oyster. I'm on a path that has me gaining lots of experience and learning heaps in a specialised area. I intend to keep learning and growing throughout my career.”
And she hasn’t ruled out further education.
“Further study at some point could definitely be on the cards. I'll always be on the lookout for valuable research possibilities. Hopefully one day I'll also be in a position to pass some of my knowledge on to others.”
The 38-year-old completed Wintec’s Bachelor of Applied Social Science in 2016 and has since landed herself a full-time counselling role at an organisation in New Plymouth, where she is now based.
However this wasn’t the only role she was offered – Lizzy, who is from Rotorua, interviewed for two roles and was successful in both.
She selected a role with an organisation that offers all types of counselling but specialises in sexual abuse counselling and the treatment of harmful sexual behaviour.
Lizzy said having the luxury of choice was humbling and she credited Wintec for helping her prepare for both the job interview process and her subsequent career.
“Studying has impacted my life in multiple ways. It has challenged me, opened my mind and expanded my knowledge. I think I'm a bit of a learning addict now and will always be looking to grow further. It set me up for an exciting new career and I've made life-long friendships along the way.”
Lizzy began her study journey as an adult student while running a wholesale jewellery business.
“I was ready for a change. I had been doing the jewellery thing for ten years and wanted a career with a little more soul food. Maybe that happens as you get older. I hit my thirties and started to think with more of a social conscience.”
She said studying as an adult wasn’t without its challenges, including travelling from Rotorua to Hamilton for classes.
“Financially it’s a huge commitment and time is a big factor. Study requires a lot of your time and sometimes life gets in the way. I found the tutors at Wintec really supportive and helpful when personal life challenges came up that affected my ability to get assignments in on time. The best part is that study challenges the way you think which encourages personal growth.”
Her dedication to study was recognised recently when she was awarded the Top 2016 Graduate in the Bachelor of Applied Social Science at a special awards ceremony held during Wintec’s graduation week.
Lizzy is feeling optimistic about her future.
“Right now I feel like the world is my oyster. I'm on a path that has me gaining lots of experience and learning heaps in a specialised area. I intend to keep learning and growing throughout my career.”
And she hasn’t ruled out further education.
“Further study at some point could definitely be on the cards. I'll always be on the lookout for valuable research possibilities. Hopefully one day I'll also be in a position to pass some of my knowledge on to others.”
