STUDENT IS A CAREER CHANGER

AFTER 22 years working as a banker, Greta Diery was ready for a change.

She knew she wanted to move into health and fitness – what she wasn’t banking on was the fact she would be working for rugby league champion Billy Slater.

Earlier this month, the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) sport and exercise student and certified sports trainer started her new job as a coach for Billy’s Buddies.

Designed and owned by Slater, the program teaches young children the basics of rugby league while developing their handeye coordination, gross motor skills, confidence and self-esteem.

Currently studying online towards a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise, majoring in Clinical Exercise Physiology, the 43-yearold career-changer said returning to university had given her the confidence to follow her passion.

“Swapping my life as a banker to pursue a career in the health and exercise industry was the best decision I made,” Ms Diery said.

“I was holding onto my job thinking I had to stay, but I am now doing something that I enjoy and is closer to my real passion which I hope will evolve into a professional career.

“USQ has helped me with my career change by offering the flexibility of external study so I could study and continue working.

“With the support and encouragement of my lecturers and my peers who I connect with through the university’s online discussion forums, I have really enjoyed the challenge of studying again and the breadth of the program so far.

“I am very fortunate throughout my degree I have had the opportunity to work with people of all ages, from elderly people who require rehabilitation, to athletes and now children.”

To apply for 2018, visit the website.