Samantha Madden has had a diverse study pathway, starting with a Certificate IV in Youth Work at Victoria Polytechnic (VP) before transitioning into the Diploma. She then went on to complete a Bachelor of Youth Work at Victoria University (VU).
Samantha credits the institute’s services and staff for assisting her development as a youth worker.
"Everything about VP and my course was great. I left school in year 10 and was doubtful that I would be able to get to where I wanted to be in life. They helped me realise that when there is a will there is a way, and if you put your mind, body and soul into something you really want, anything is possible.
Throughout my student placement at ‘The Indigenous Gathering Place Health Service’ I gained experience in assisting and supporting young people and their families who were homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless. In class, I learnt a lot of theory and by undertaking a student placement I was able to put that theory into practice in the workplace.
My greatest career achievement so far would be the numerous positive relationships I have been able to build with clients and other networks.
Before undertaking this particular pathway, I had researched which university had the best course structure that I would benefit from the most. I had a meeting with staff from the university who organised my pathway and helped me tremendously throughout the whole process.
I accessed a few support services through VU. The Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit were extremely helpful and supported me to become recognised as an indigenous student within the university. Without this support, my time at VU definitely wouldn’t have been the same and there is no way I would have been able to do it without them.
VP played a massive role in shaping the worker I have become, by teaching me the basic foundation skills and other professional attributes needed to conduct myself professionally and ethically in the workplace. Without them, no career achievement would have been possible."
Courses studied
- Certificate IV in Youth Work
- Diploma of Youth Work (no longer offered)
- Bachelor of Youth Work
Find out more about community services courses at Victoria Polytechnic.