Life has turned full circle for NMIT graduate Heather Newnham.

From a love of horses that began when she was young, Heather successfully completed her Bachelor Equine Studies at NMIT before travelling to the U.S to further her equine industry knowledge. She\’s now working in the local equine industry and is returning to NMIT to pass on the benefit of her experiences to others.

Using its strong links with industry, NMIT has gathered approximately 40 representatives (including Heather) from a wide range of industries to present at NMIT\’s upcoming Super Thursdays Careers Night.

The presenters (many of them NMIT graduates) come from a wide range of industries including hospitality, pre-school/early primary teaching, agriculture and animal science, commerce, legal practice, nursing, and construction to name just a few. They will present on their areas of expertise and give school leavers and career changers valuable tips and specialised knowledge on how to make it in the industry of their dreams.

Heather knows how life-changing open days and information nights can be – when she was in Year 10 she went to an Open Day at another TAFE where she found out that she could complete pre-vocational subjects in Equine Studies as part of her VCE. She went on to complete a Certificate II in Equine Industry while still at school which gave her the confidence to take the next step.

“At the end of Year 11 I found out about the Bachelor of Equine Studies at NMIT and I thought: that\’s what I want to do.”

During her bachelor degree, Heather won an NMIT study grant for $12,000, sponsored by Iskander Racing and Breeding. The grant funded a study trip to the United States, where she spent five months travelling and enhancing her knowledge of the industry including attending the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky and a short course in Advanced Equine Reproduction at Colorado State University.

The experience and contacts Heather made at Colorado State Uni later contributed to her securing a 12-month equine reproduction internship at Colorado State although U.S Government restrictions on temporary work visas (due to the current U.S economic downturn) have since prevented the internship from proceeding.

“Instead, I have recently applied to two institutions to do veterinary science and I think my NMIT degree and industry experience will give me every chance of being accepted,” said Heather.

“I have always wanted to work with animals since I was at school and am really looking forward to the NMIT Careers Night and telling others about my journey.”

In addition to Heather, the Careers Night will feature a comprehensive selection of presenters including Bryce Bernhardt (Head Chef from North Fitzroy\’s Jorg Restaurant), Peter Head (General Manager Concrete, Boral), Steve Bryant (Complex Manager, Bunnings), Jane Rigg (Nurse, Royal Children\’s Hospital) plus many more practitioners from a huge variety of industries.