For St Ursula’s College Year 12 student, Chloe Wright, the recent Work Experience in Government (WEX) program helped her pinpoint career goals and aspirations.
Chloe, 17, was one of 30 students selected from 120 applicants to attend the WEX event in Cairns during the July school holidays.
The week-long program was the first regionally hosted WEX event, and specifically aimed to introduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to careers in the Australian Government available in regional Australia.
Although Chloe was initially nervous about attending the event, she decided to push her comfort zone and embrace the opportunity.
“Flying to Cairns was my first time ever on a plane, and I was by myself too, so it was a bit daunting to begin with,” said Chloe.
“I applied for WEX because I wanted to challenge myself out of my comfort zone, and I wanted to find out more from the WEX career mentors,” Chloe said.
“A standout from the week was a cultural activity that helped me find my personal totem.”
“For me, the best part was the careers meetings where I met with Indigenous leaders and received career advice.”
“The students and mentors were absolutely lovely, and they really helped me culturally and career-wise.”
“ I recommend the WEX program to any First Nations student, it was absolutely amazing!”