• Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine student Mr Jayden Bonk has already secured full-time employment before graduating
• Mr Bonk always wanted a career in the health industry and is “proud” to be working at a community health centre
• He juggled full-time study with participation in a range of the University’s student organisations

Late nights studying for exams and long days spent on student advisory committees has paid off for Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) student Mr Jayden Bonk.

Mr Bonk knew long ago that he wanted a career in the health industry, but it was not until after meeting with the then head of podiatry at Charles Sturt that he realised his true calling.

Preparing to graduate with a Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine from Charles Sturt in Albury-Wodonga, he was fascinated by the scope of what his degree would allow him to do and sought a job within the public health care system due to his passion for chronic disease management.

Mr Bonk already has a full-time job lined up working at a community health centre with high-risk patients in Canberra, which he will commence in February.

“I’m proud of it,” he said.

“It’s nice to get to the end of my degree and already have something to show for it. I’m ready to be out in the field and working in the industry I have chosen.”

Mr Bonk juggled full-time study with participation in a range of the University’s student organisations.

He was a past president of the Student Senate, member of the Academic Senate, Student Voice Australia participant, student representative on the student services and amenities fee steering committee and past president of the Albury-Wodonga Student Representative Council.

These commitments developed his administration and communication skills, which he believes complement the knowledge he developed in his studies.

“Communication skills are important in health and while the degree focused on clinical skills, which are crucial, I feel being a part of these committees has made me more employable,” he said.

Charles Sturt’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) Ms Jenny Roberts said it was exciting to see students expanding their skills and knowledge outside of their degree.

“The University offers a diverse range of programs and committees for students to build on existing skills and develop new ones outside of their degree,” Ms Roberts said.

“Offering students these opportunities helps with our employability rate and it’s good to see students, such as Jayden, taking advantage of these chances while studying.”

Mr Bonk will graduate from the Faculty of Science in Albury-Wodonga at the Albury Entertainment Centre on Swift Street on Wednesday 18 December at 9.30am.