They’re ambitious, innovative and highly intelligent – and they’re set to soon graduate from their chosen fields of study and launch careers that will inspire and change the world.
In the coming weeks we will profile 16 female graduates to watch in 2014 who are leading the next generation of female talent in science, medicine, law, business and research. They answer our questions on everything from what they hope to achieve in their careers, what inspires them and the challenges they anticipate they will face in their careers.
Erin Nugent’s not yet sure which area of physiotherapy she’ll specialise in, but knows she wants to spend time travelling in order to get experience in as many different areas as she can and continually learn about the best possible treatments for patients. Already, Nugent’s carried out some significant research into the field, having developed her own method of investigating isokinetic leg strength, where the same tension is maintained as muscles shorten or lengthen.
What degree are you studying and at which university?
Bachelor of Physiotherapy, University of Newcastle
When do you plan to finish your studies?
28 October 2013
How old are you?
21
Why did you choose to go into this field?
I have always had an interest in the human body, so I knew I wanted to pursue a career in health, and participating in sport from an early age lead to a few injuries that required physiotherapy input, which sparked my interest specifically in this area. In high school I did work experience in a local hospital and private practice to get a feel for what a career in physiotherapy would involve, and I immediately knew it was for me. Physiotherapy is such a rewarding and versatile career, and the opportunity to help people improve their health in so many different ways and in so many different environments really appealed to me.
What do you want to achieve in your career?
I haven’t been able to make my mind up about what area I will specialise in just yet, so I see myself travelling around Australia and the world to experience the many different roles a physiotherapist can be involved in. I want to learn as much as I can about as many different facets of physiotherapy as I can so my patients can get the best treatment possible. Ultimately, I would love to run a private practice that actively works in the community to promote healthy lifestyles, and develop programs to educate adults and kids about the importance of physical activity, proper nutrition, and health in general.
What are the biggest challenges you face in trying to reach these goals?
The biggest challenges I face in reaching these goals are my indecisiveness, and my passion for learning new things. Because I can’t make up my mind about where I want to be, these goals may well change. Especially if I become side tracked by some fantastic new treatment approach, or doing my PhD.
Where do you hope to be in 10 years time?
Where I see myself in the future is always changing. As I have learned new things and gained new experiences I always seem to think, “Yeah, I would like to end up doing that…” only to change my mind when I find out about something else! Whatever I end up doing – whether I have established my private practice, or become a PhD candidate – in 10 years time I hope to be happy and satisfied in a fulfilling job, still learning and growing as a physiotherapist, and hopefully have a family on the way.
Who do you admire most?
I have never had one specific person who I have looked up to, but I admire anyone who is able to get knocked down, pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and get going again – people who don’t quit. I think that is one of the toughest challenges in life, and I know myself I find it too easy to have the confidence knocked out of me and just feel like giving up. If I can teach myself to get up and go harder after a setback like them, I know I will be able to achieve anything I set my mind to.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“If a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right” – I apply this in everything I do.