How Uni Support Turned Obstacles Into Opportunities for These 3 Grads

Navigating university life and transitioning into a career can be overwhelming. But Flinders University has built a reputation for fostering an environment that provides the tools and resources to do just that.

The university offers robust student communities and opportunities to create industry connections, playing a vital role in preparing students for life beyond the lecture halls.

We spoke to three graduates — Khevalin Parekh, Brodie Elburn and Grace Liu — and asked them to share their experiences of how Flinders helped shape their careers and provided them with the tools to tackle post-uni challenges.

Embracing Community, Building Friendships and Finding Support

For Khevalin Parekh, the idea of entering university felt daunting. She wasn’t afraid of the academics portion, more so the fear of not finding her place in the social fabric of campus life.

“My biggest worry before starting uni was whether I would be able to find like-minded friends,” Khevalin recalls.

Moving from the structured social circles of high school into the more independent, adult world of university life, she wondered whether she’d fit in. But Flinders’ welcoming environment quickly dispelled those worries.

“I made friends very quickly by being part of the Flinders Law Students Association and extracurricular clubs, like the Flinders University Volleyball Club,” she explains.

This helped Khevalin feel connected to other law students and to peers across a variety of disciplines, giving her a wider perspective on university life and people from all walks of life.

Similarly, Grace Liu also found a sense of community at Flinders that extended far beyond her coursework.

“One of the most valuable lessons I learned outside the classroom was the importance of being open to new perspectives,” she shares. The multicultural environment of Flinders encouraged her to engage in meaningful discussions with peers from around the world.

“My lecturer in the Master of Arts (Women’s Studies) would always say our classroom looked like a UN summit.” The friendships and professional connections she made at Flinders were instrumental in launching her career in the film industry, and she continues to work with many of her classmates today.

For Brodie Elburn, the community at Flinders was a lifeline during an exceptionally challenging year. In 2023, Brodie endured a series of personal hardships, including a severe injury that left him uncertain about his ability to walk again.

But even in the darkest times, the support he found through Flinders’ Port Adelaide Football Club Diploma of Sports Management program helped him push forward. “The course gave me purpose and reason to wake up every day,” he reflects. His lecturers not only provided academic guidance but became mentors who encouraged him to stay focused on his long-term goals.

Connection Leads to Career Success

Flinders University understands that preparing students for life after graduation requires the opportunity to make valuable industry connections.

This was crucial for Grace, who pursued a career in the competitive film industry. “The film industry relies heavily on word-of-mouth and professional connections,” she explains.

Fortunately, her lecturers at Flinders were deeply involved in the industry, connecting her with professional sets and projects during her studies. Today, she runs her own production company and continues to give back by mentoring emerging filmmakers from Flinders through the Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) internship program.

Brodie also found that the connections he made at Flinders opened doors for his future career.

“The university created pathways for possible success through industry networks,” he says. Now pursuing a Bachelor of Business (Sports Management), he feels confident that the skills he gained and the relationships he built, will continue to serve him well in his career.

For Khevalin, Flinders played a pivotal role in helping her transition from student to solicitor.

“I was anxious about change and unsure about my future,” she admits. But thanks to the guidance of her lecturers and the opportunities provided through career development events, she secured a graduate lawyer position at Websters Lawyers.

“The continual skill development exercises and mentoring from my lecturers set me up for success,” Khevalin says.

Personal Growth and Learning Beyond the Classroom

Flinders also takes pride in preparing students for professional success. They encourage personal growth and resilience to equip them to handle life’s unexpected challenges.

Khevalin’s time at Flinders, for instance, helped her develop a healthy work-life balance. “I had to set boundaries between university, work and my personal life to make sure I was looking after my physical and mental wellbeing,” she explains. This sense of balance became crucial as she navigated both her studies and personal commitments.

Brodie, having survived a life-altering injury, learned a lesson in perseverance. “I realised my will to overcome adversity is stronger than I could’ve ever imagined,” he shares.

His journey through recovery has given him a unique ability to connect with others who may be going through similar struggles. And he remains committed to using his education to make a difference in the lives of others through sport.

Grace’s time at Flinders also encouraged her to take risks and embrace uncertainty — skills that are crucial in the creative industries. “The three years I spent at Flinders helped me connect with the industry, and I was able to work on professional sets because of the opportunities my lecturers suggested,” she explains.

Now, after starting her own production company, she continues to apply the lessons learned at Flinders to navigate the complexities of the film world.

The Launchpad for Success

Ultimately, Flinders University’s commitment to supporting students, both academically and personally, is reflected in the diverse career paths and personal growth stories of graduates like Khevalin, Brodie and Grace.

As Khevalin sums up: “Flinders has undeniably helped me in preparing for my career and post-uni life. I’m grateful to have had such a positive experience that has led me into the next chapter.”

Find out more about how Flinders can help prepare you for life after university on their website.