Griffith University is meeting the challenge of a rapidly changing employment environment through an expanded short-course program for 2021 aimed at boosting the employability of graduates.
Griffith’s Job-Ready Certificateshas been bolstered by additional Federal Government funding to provide even more affordable options for students and those already in the workforce looking to hone their skills.
The program offers students courses ranging from 12 to 24 weeks across varied disciplines, all with a focus on the future challenges faced by professionals in their respective fields.
“We’re in the midst of a massive acceleration of change,” said Professor Nick Barter, Dean and Director of Learning Futures and Griffith Online.
“COVID-19 has been a key driver of much of that change through digital disruption and through the way we approach major issues confronting business and the community generally.
“Industry, for example, is now demanding a lot more from the digital space such as data analytics, while new responses are being sought for climate change, sustainability and the circular economy, and especially now for public health.
“In developing the graduate certificate programs and working with the government to get the funding allocation to make them really affordable, we looked at key fields of study such as STEM, but also other areas that fall into the zone of special needs.”
Autism Studies is among those areas that Professor Barter says impacts people in many ways, prompting Griffith to allocate 110 places to this program. Other programs include Renewable Energy Engineering, Cyber Security, Safety Leadership and Suicidology.
“We are covering the whole breadth of these growing and fast-changing areas that business and community service providers need to understand more about as they move forward.
“You could find in any one of these graduate certificate programs a direct line of sight to changes that are likely occurring in your industry and workplace.
“It might be a big climate change initiative and how today’s commitments by business will impact your workplace or career in 10 years’ time. It’s important to understand where you want to land in that situation.”
Professor Barter said while the graduate certificate program is aimed at augmenting the skills of existing graduates, allowing them to ‘upscale pretty quickly’, it is also being made available to those who have never completed an undergraduate degree.
“You just need a strong work experience base,” Professor Barter said.
“For individuals who are specialists in their respective fields, such as accounting for example, the program will prepare them for the next wave of innovations in business.”
Griffith University has been able to increase the placings available for its Job-Ready Certificates program following an expansion of the Federal Government’s Job-Ready Graduate Package last year. Government subsidies offer savings of between $3000 and $9000 per program of study at Griffith.
“There’s something for everyone here and I think the incentives we have secured from the extra funding from government make a lot of sense.
Professor Nick Barter, Dean and Director of Learning Futures and Griffith Online
“There’s a great deal of incentive for people to take advantage of these places now as the funding is only available through 2021 with a limit to the number of students we can accept.”
Griffith also has ensured the program offers optimum study flexibility to meet the individual needs of participants in managing existing work or family commitments.
“Students can complete this program through any pathway they choose,” Professor Barter said.
“The graduate certificates all offer hybrid study options that may involve either face-to-face or online sessions, or a mix of these. Some of our subjects will still require students to come to a lab to undertake a particular experiment.”
As for the benefits of studying at Griffith, Professor Barter points to the University’s founding vision of doing the best for others to create a positive change.
“The values we have around social justice, environmental justice and our progressive way of thinking and challenging convention, comes through in everything we do.
“One thing we can count on is that disruption will continue in some way shape or form.
“We hope that through the basic understanding that our students get from the certificate programs, and with the Griffith ethos on top, they will be armed for the next set of challenges in their career.”
Applications for Griffith’s Job-Ready Certificates program close on February 14, 2021.
Bolstering employability by developing transversal skills and attributes that employers are seeking in graduate applicants, Claire Doherty is currently completing a Remote Global Internship with Jost&Co in Seoul as part of the Griffith Asia Business Internship (GABI) Program, a 20 credit point Griffith Asia Institute elective course delivered during Trimester 3.
The comprehensive Asia Ready Program includes cultural online classes such as cooking.
Claire is among 29 Griffith Business School students currently attaining Global WIL experiences by participating in the GABI Program and remotely working with host organisations based in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea and Malaysia.
Not only do participants build skills, knowledge, digital capability and industry connections, additional benefits include the development of cultural capacity and more specifically, Asia literacy as part of a comprehensive Asia Ready Program, including introductory history, culture, education and politics sessions, language classes, industry partner sessions, and cultural online classes, including cooking, film writing, K-Pop and a Makgeolli workshop.
As highlighted by Dr Andrea Haefner, Course Convenor of GABI,
‘it is great to see that students are still able to engage with Asia, learn about a new culture and work with an overseas company during unprecedented times’.
Adapt and become career ready
Claire Doherty, supported by New Colombo Plan (NCP) virtual mobility funding, is a Nathan based double degree Asian Studies and Government and International Relations student who previously completed a six-month student exchange at Korea University in Seoul. Driven by curiosity and learning, coupled with a love for travel and thirst for history and culture, Claire highlights:
‘My primary objective in applying for the GABI Program was to gain a comprehensive insight into the consultancy industry whilst learning about the private sector.’
Screenshot of meeting with AustChamKorea.
‘Additionally, I was interested in understanding the relationship between corporate culture and employee turnover, success and motivation.‘
Fittingly, Claire is currently completing a Remote Global Internship with JOST&Co, a management consultancy organisation based in Seoul and Melbourne, specialising in culture, change and leadership. Working with the JOST&Co team, Claire is undertaking a range of projects in response to client needs, bolstering her employability by gaining real-world experience and building professional networks. Reflecting on the value of the Remote Global Internship, Claire identifies the competitive edge that she is attaining by participating in the Program.
‘I am learning about Korean business practices and this is definitely in my favour as I aim to work in South Korea.’
‘Having a clearer understanding of the operations of an Australian consultancy firm based in-country is highly advantageous.’
As an Intern with JOST&Co, I not only complete a variety of tasks, but also attend weekly meetings, including with the Directors, Finance and Operations. As a result, I have learned a lot about the various tools and platforms the organisation utilises, as well as gaining insight into research and development and a more in-depth understanding of financial considerations. Overall, immersing myself in these meetings is providing me with the opportunity to maximise business exposure and regularly interact with colleagues, including the Co-CEOs and Directors.
‘Having the opportunity to participate in various board meetings with industry professionals is a truly unique experience that can’t be gained elsewhere.’
Taking all opportunities
Encouraging current and future students considering participation in the GABI Program, Claire enthusiastically highlights:
‘My biggest tip for students is to seize amazing opportunities even during a pandemic.’
‘Due to COVID-19, my Remote Global Internship is still beneficial to paving my career pathway. The experience has not only increased my confidence in career choice but also my knowledge and understanding of a new industry.’
The GABI Programstrengthens people-to-people connections, supports business and university linkages, as well as forges closer country-to-country relations.The initiative delivers value to both students and host organisations, in turn shaping the next generation of Asia-ready leaders by facilitating authentic professional experience in the region in support of graduate success.
Find out more about the Griffith Asia Business Internships (GABI) at https://www.griffith.edu.au/asia-institute/global-wil-internships.
Queensland College of Art Design graduate Rachele Andrews was recently announced the winner of the 2020 Design Institute of Australia Queensland Visual Communication Graduate of the Year.
Rachele was awarded for works including: ‘Children of a Welcoming Australia‘, an educational workbook for children raising awareness about refugees and Australia’s multicultural society; a plant management app called ‘Greenhouse‘ and an information and activity book to help nurture siblings of chronically ill children to be implemented in hospitals.
Rachele’s win in the state category also put her the running for the titles ‘Australian Visual Communication Graduate of the Year’ and the ‘Graduate of the Year’ across all design disciplines in Queensland; of which she received an honourable mention for each.
Rachele credits her time at QCA for helping to develop her love for design.
“I am incredibly grateful for the quality of teachers at QCA and their commitment and passion to seeing students succeed.”
“I can easily say the last three years at Griffith have been the best years of my life so far. I have found my drive and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store.”
Find out more about studying design at the Queensland College of Art.
See more of Rachele’s work and follow her ongoing success at racheleandrews.co or @rachele.andrews
After a year like no other, when the pandemic has forced us to rely on digital technologies more than ever, should we rationalise their use over the holiday break?
Griffith University experts Dr David Tuffley and Dr Kathryn Modecki believe there may be some merit to limiting the use of devices if your goal is to recalibrate after what has been an extraordinary year.
“COVID-19 has generally taken a toll on our mental health. It has tended to change work habits for many individuals in particular. At the same time, this is how we reach out to friends and to loved ones and stay connected and find information,” Dr Modecki, from Griffith’s School of Applied Psychology, said.
“Technology has helped us in a number of ways this year and there is a lot of good that comes from it. I don’t recommend a full digital detox but suggest we can be more mindful about how we use it.”
“Take smartphones for instance. We use our phones in a multitude of ways, and so the concept of going cold turkey is not necessarily useful. Instead we can think about the different ways we engage with our phones and how these tend to make us feel.”
Dr Kathryn Modecki
“If you’re taking a more mindful approach to using your phone, and trying to reduce your use in relation to less satisfying forms of engagement (think doom scrolling or passive social media consumption for hours and hours), then consider trying to reduce some of those forms of engagement.”
“Again, think about what you’re looking to achieve from your phone use. If you’re seeking connection, maybe it is worth ringing someone or sending a text, even just to arrange a (safe) physical meeting.”
“If you’re bored and mindlessly scrolling, you could consider using a Meditation app instead.”
“In my interviews with parents, I find that using an objective measure–for instance, setting a timer–to actively set a limit on phone use, or use of a particular app or function works well. This can be especially beneficial with kids, but many of us might benefit from setting just a few boundaries so that we are making best use of our technologies”.
“Our lab worked with the ABC on Australia’s Biggest Smartphone study and it was clear from the data that generations are using smartphone devices really differently, so it makes sense that a detox might be different for different people,” Dr Kathryn Modecki explained.
“Because they’re such an integral part of daily life for many of us, the idea of going without them 24/7 is arguably unrealistic.”
Dr David Tuffley
A science communicator with a focus on the social impact of technology, Dr David Tuffley says the fear of missing out may be more powerful than the reality of taking a break from it.
“FOMO or Fear of Missing Out is at the heart of why digital detoxing can be so hard for some, but social media addiction can be managed,” Dr Tuffley said.
“With so many platforms and channels, even reducing your use by a little could make a lot of difference.
“How you carry out a digital detox is up toyoubut it could mean turning your phone off, only checking emails during certain times of the day, disabling notifications on your phone, tablet or device and getting outside,” Dr Tuffley said.
“Detoxing from digital devices is about focusing on real-life social interactions without distractions.
“Leave your phone at home and spend time in nature. Getting away without your phone or anything else that beeps and calls attention to itself can really help to restore a person’s baseline.
Over the holiday break he suggests doing a combination of the following:
- Stop ‘multi-screening’ (have two or more screens going at once)
- Stop following social media accounts that get you riled up
- Switch off push notifications
- Don’t bring the phone to meals
- Remove your phone from the bedroom (get an alarm clock instead)
- Go for walks in nature — tech free
- Allocate time during day to be tech-free
- Read print books and magazines
A trio of talented Griffith creatives are ready for the world of work following an intensive four-week internship with a global advertising agency.
During the placement at Publicis Groupe, students worked on client briefs, gained insights into building a campaign, received weekly mentoring sessions as well as feedback on their portfolio.
Queensland College of Art (QCA) student Marie Feyfant and Griffith Film School (GFS) student Carmen Garratt were selected for the Creative Accelerator Program. Fellow GFS student Ezra Starr won a spot in the Future Lions Program.
GFS student Carmen Garratt
Carmen Garratt, who is completing a Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production, hit the ground running, directing and editing a TV commercial for the charity Act for Kids.
“I was definitely dropped in the deep end, but it’s nice that they trusted me straight off the bat to take the reins on a project,” she said.
“I’ve learnt so much about pitching to clients, working fast and being part of a team.
“Opportunities like this are a big part of why I chose to study at GFS — it’s so important to get industry experience.”
QCA design student Marie Feyfant
Bachelor of Design student Marie Feyfant said the internship had set her up well for a career as a design creative.
“I don’t think there is another creative training program like this – you really have to bring your A-game,” she said.
“I’ve been mentored by the head of design, who is also a QCA alumni, and he’s been great at involving me in projects and pitches.
“I think the biggest learning has been seeing how the industry works from the inside.”
GFS student Ezra Starr
Final year Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production student Ezra Starr was part of the Future Lions internship program, designed for students with a passion for creativity and technology.
“I think uni gives you the tools and the internship gives the opportunity to apply them.”
QCA alumni Dan Braithwaite and Amber Lawrence are part of the design team at Publicis Groupe and helped mentor the current Griffith students as part of the internship.
“It was very different when I graduated from graphic design course at the QCA back in the late 90s. We were working by hand, drawing and cutting and pasting,” said Amber.
QCA alumnus Amber Lawrence
“But it was a great start and it helped me get my first job in the industry.
“It’s good to see the students on board here — it’s so important to get some experience under your belt before you graduate.”
GFS LiveLab Creative Director Richard Fabb said the internship had provided invaluable insights into the industry for students.
“This was a really high-value experience,” he said.
“Publicis is a major player in the marketing and media space, and they ensured that it was a really detailed, generous and well-conceived internship.
“They invested a lot of time and effort into our students and I’m sure this will open doors for them in the industry.”
An international collaboration reveals a new definition of sustainability that expands the concept to non-human species and their needs.
Published in Global Sustainability, the research led by Dr Christoph Rupprecht, a Griffith University alumnus now at the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, identifies a critical flaw in the original concept of sustainability.
“Past resource management based definitions of sustainability have ignored the fact that the wellbeing and needs of all living creatures is interdependent in ecologically complex ways,” Dr Rupprecht said.
Dr Natalie Osborne from Griffith University’s School of Environment and Science
Dr Natalie Osborne from Griffith University’s School of Environment and Science said the new multispecies concept of sustainability overcomes this flaw, meeting the needs of current and future generations of all species.
“We combined the latest research on how species interact, ecologically and socially, with insights from Indigenous scholars and cybernetics, the study of communication in complex systems, to develop our concept of multispecies sustainability.
“This research showcase the potential wide-ranging applications to help human-wildlife coexistence and radically rethinking urban green-space design.
“It could not only change how we plan and design cities as more-than-human habitats, but also broaden community engagement and transform how we measure economic productivity and well-being in urban environments.”
“Whether you look at climate change, biodiversity decline or microplastic pollution, sustainability efforts are failing across the board. But radical transformation requires the right tools, ” Dr Rupprecht said.
“Only a concept that understands and fosters complex multispecies relationships can help sustain the well-being of species depending on one another, today and tomorrow.”
Visualisations of sustainability to date display environment, society and economy with an equal weighting, despite the latter two being entirely depend on the environment.
Past visualisation of the sustainability displaying environment, society and economy with an equal weighting
Multi-species visualisation of sustainability demonstrating the interdependence of human, animal, plant and microbial societies
“In contrast, our conceptual models demonstrate the interdependence of human, animal, plant and microbial societies,” Dr Osborne said.
“They emphasises how the earth system including landscapes, cities and the bodies of living things are shaped by shared agency.”
Dr Rupprecht acknowledges that many of the world’s best practices in terms of sustainability have been developed by Indigenous people and are part of traditional ecological knowledge systems.
“These societies and cultures have the best track records in co-existing with other species,” said Dr Rupprecht.
The team hopes their findings will be a starting point for exploration and discussion about topics ranging from what multispecies cities might look like, to the implications of a multispecies inspired concept of public health.
Griffith University researchers were central in developing the Asian Development Bank’s world leading water security index, the Asian Water Development Outlook (AWDO) 2020, released the past week.
Over the past two years, researchers from the Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith’s International Water Centre and the University of Queensland’s Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC) have established and managed a number of the criteria or key dimensions used by the AWDO to rank the water security of 49 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
“The Asian Water Development Outlook is one of the most comprehensive and holistic water security indexes available,” said Dr Lachlan Guthrie from Griffith’s International Water Centre, who led the development and management of key dimension related to Rural Household Water Security.
“It recognises the essential, but relatively small volume, of water used by the world’s most vulnerable people in rural households,” he said.
“AWDO gives a detailed current status and trajectory for national water security in 49 countries. It helps prioritise investment and improve equity in water access,” said Professor Steven Kenway from the AWMC, who developed the Urban Water Security component of AWDO.
Despite Asia’s impressive growth in economic and social welfare during the last decades, 1.5 billion people living in rural areas and 0.6 billion in urban areas still lack adequate water supply and sanitation.
Of the 49 Asian and the Pacific countries assessed, the water security index identified 27 that face serious water constraints on economic development and 18 that have not sufficiently protected their inhabitants against water-related disasters.
National water security scores across the five key dimensions
“Importantly, the AWDO 2020 has included an environmental perspective of water security,” said Dr Ben Stewart-Koster from the Australian Rivers Institute who led the development of the Environmental Water Security aspect of the security index.
“Countless examples around the world show that water security is severely reduced because of unhealthy aquatic ecosystems.
“The work we did on the AWDO provides a platform to start to address this and has the potential to improve the water security of countries in the region.”
Griffith University was also involved with the creation of the Urban Water Security section of the AWDO, which was led by a team from the University of Queensland.
“It is great to be involved in the confluence of such a strong group of water researchers,” said Professor Mark Pascoe from Griffith’s International Water Centre who oversaw the project.
“Griffith University’s involvement in the Asian Water Development Outlook confirms our reputation as world leaders in water governance and integrated water management.”
Thousands of young Queenslanders have now received their high school results, but for those who didn’t get their dream ATAR there are still plenty of pathways to university.
Griffith University Senior Vice Chancellor Professor Debra Henly says students have more options than they realise.
“At Griffith there are several pathways to help students improve their selection rank, upgrade to their preferred undergraduate degree or satisfy subject prerequisites and even if you didn’t complete Year 12 we have access schemes that can help you gain admission to university,” Professor Henly explained.
“We have a long tradition ofrecognisingthe skills and knowledge gained through Vocational Education and Training (VET) for instance.
“The University partners with Griffith College, TAFE Institutes and private providers to offer admission pathways into a range of undergraduate degrees.
“Your academic achievements or personal circumstances can also help you get into your preferred degree.
Mitchell Paternoster in the Aviation Simulation lab on Nathan campus
“Our adjustment factor pathways, including the Gold Coast and Logan Priority Access Pathway, Educational Access Scheme (EAS), Elite Athlete Adjustment Factors, Year 12 Subject Adjustment Pathway and Guaranteed Admission Scheme, can help to get students into their preferred course.
“Students can also improve their selection rank by undertaking studies in an alternative Griffith degree and then moving into their chosen course.”
A year into a Bachelor of Aviation at Griffith, even in a pandemic year, Mitchell Paternoster is excited about his career prospects, once the industry recovers from the COVID-19 downturn.
“It has definitely been challenging and daunting for aviation but when we graduate the industry will pick up again,” he said.
Mitchell came to study at Griffith via direct entry, with the Diploma of Business he completed while in high school taken into account, even though he didn’t graduate with an OP.
“I wanted to do aviation for as long as I could remember,” he said.
“When we started discussing alternate pathways to help me get into aviation, my careers counsellor at school said that Griffith had a scheme that recognised a VET qualification.”
“Its been a good year. I’ve been really enjoying university.
“I’ll tell anyone who is worried about a low ATAR score that it definitely isn’t the end of the world and there are always pathways to get where you want to go. You just need to put your mind to it and work towards it.”
Mitchell Taylor at his 2015 graduation with now wife Rebecca.
It’s a statement echoed by current Master of Finance student Mitchell Taylor, who left school without an OP determined to make a career as a dancer, when injury ended his dreams. It was only then he realised his true calling, in the finance and insurance sector where he now works for QSuper.
“I never thought I would be able to go to university and I didn’t even finish grade 12, so I didn’t have the ability to apply,” he said.
“When I injured myself I realised that the dancing dream I had since I was a boy was unlikely to happen.
“I completed a Certificate course and sat an external exam which gave me the ability to apply for an undergraduate course at Griffith University.
“Speaking from experience, I wish someone had told me there were other pathways into University.”
Griffith’s Explore your Options online event kicked off the day ATAR results were released, with personalised advice via online chat available from 8am Saturday 19th of December.
“Heading to university for the first time is a major life moment, so there’s real value for students in having the chance to discuss their options with an expert, to make sure they’re fully informed about potential pathways into university,” Professor Henly said.
“No matter their situation, Griffith’s study advisers can help students understand their study options and pathways into the degree program of their choice, if they don’t initially achieve the entry rank.
“You can chat online with our expert study advisers 21-24 December, 9 am–2 pm daily (AEST).”
ATARs were released to 2020 Queensland Year 12 Students on Saturday 19 December and QTAC offers are scheduled to be made on Wednesday 23 December.
In what has been an extraordinary year, more than 600 students have already accepted offers to study at Griffith in 2021 through the new Year 12 Early Offer Guarantee, which introduced early degree offers based on Year 12 Semester 1 results or VET qualifications.
The new scheme was developed to provide some certainty for school leavers in what have been uncertain times. Offers were issued on 20 November.
A team of Griffith University archaeologists has been awarded a coveted place in Science magazine’s top-10 scientific breakthroughs of the year for their work on the discovery of the world’s oldest known rock art.
The team, led by Professors Maxime Aubert and Adam Brumm from the Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research (GCSCR) and the Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution (ARCHE) discovered and dated a cave painting at least 44,000 years old in Sulawesi, Indonesia which portrays a group of part-human, part-animal figures — ‘therianthropes’ — hunting large mammals with spears or ropes.
Photo credit: Ratno Sardi.
“It represents our species first evidence of storytelling,” Professor Brumm said. “The figurative depiction of hunters as therianthropes may also be the oldest evidence for our ability to imagine the existence of supernatural beings, a cornerstone of religious experience.
“This is the first time such a detailed visual narrative or ‘story’ has been identified so early in the vast record of prehistoric cave art worldwide.”
The journal Science noted that the discovery “decisively unseats Europe as the first place where modern humans are known to have created figurative art” and demonstrate that our species had “already passed an important cognitive milestone: the ability to imagine beings that do not exist.”
Other research mentioned in this year’s prestigious list include the speedy development of Covid-19 vaccines, the discovery of the first room temperature superconductor, the first use of genome-snipping technology known as CRISPR to cure genetic disease in humans, and the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) program that accurately preÂdicts most protein structures.
“We are thrilled to be awarded this honour”, said Professor Aubert, “it highlights excellence in scientific collaboration between Indonesia and Australia.”
Photo Credit: Ratno Sardi
Griffith PhD student and Indonesian rock art expert Adhi Agus Oktaviana said his rock art surveys in Sulawesi with Professors Aubert and Brumm and fellow PhD student Basran Burhan have uncovered many new cave sites with spectacular figurative paintings that still await dating, but he has also observed the alarming deterioration of this art at almost every location.
“The cave wall surfaces on which the paintings were made are peeling off at an astonishing rate, erasing the art,” Oktaviana said.
“It would be a tragedy if these exceptionally old artworks should disappear in our own lifetime. But it is happening, so we need to understand why this globally significant rock art is deteriorating – and now.”
This is not the teams’ first international accolade. Their research was also recognised in Science Magazine the top-10 scientific breakthrough of 2014 and in the National Geographic Magazine top-20 scientific discoveries of the decade (2010-2019).
“In what has been a very tough year for Griffith it is wonderful to see our researchers making world-class discoveries that are changing our understanding of the human story,” said Vice Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans.
“This is a well-deserved recognition of the bold contributions of our students and academic staff.The work illustrates beautifully the confluence of the arts and sciences and has profound implications for modern understanding of people, human thought and behaviour,” added Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Mario Pinto.
Two Griffith University law graduates passionate about social justice are reshaping the profession.
Minnie Hannaford and Maddy Harrington were recently elected to the Queensland Law Society‘s (QLS) Future Leaders Committee.
The new committee will put issues like mental health and diversity at the top of the agenda, providing a platform to help young lawyers change the culture of their profession.
Griffith Law School graduate Maddy Harrington
One of Australia’s first openly transgender lawyers, Maddy is hoping to make the legal profession more inclusive.
“You can’t be what you don’t see, and so I use my visibility as an openly transgender woman to show that being in the law is not off limits to people of transgender experience,” she said.
“I’m comfortable, open and out, but I’ve had friends who’ve had very different experience in the legal profession.
“Times are changing, but there is still a lot of work to be done – these kinds of cultural changes don’t happen overnight.”
Griffith graduate Minnie Hannaford
Fellow Griffith Law School graduate Minnie Hannaford graduated in 2014, and has spent the past five years juggling a high-flying career as a litigator with pro bono work at community legal centres, helping refugees and asylum seekers navigate the legal process.
She is now an associate at a large national commercial law firm, Holding Redlich, and is keen to advocate for young lawyers across Queensland.
“Almost half of the members of the Queensland Law Society are 35 years and younger – this committee provides an opportunity for their voices and concerns to be heard,” she said.
“We have a great chance to make an impact on the profession at large.”
Minnie said her experience as a young woman of colour had made her determined to make the profession more open and inclusive of people from all backgrounds.
“The most obvious gains have been in gender diversity and I’ve noticed real change taking place, but the conversation can’t stop at gender,” she said.
“It can seem overwhelming, but that is no reason to stop having these discussions.
“This profession can be slow to change, but we’ve made giant leaps already and I’m excited to see how we can improve the experience of being a lawyer in Queensland.”
Born in Ethiopia and adopted by Australian parents at the age of three, Minnie said she was driven by a passion for social justice and equal opportunity.
“I’ve always been an advocate – I grew up knowing the value that comes from including people with different experiences and stories,” she said.
“The opportunity to study at Griffith shaped me in more ways than I realised. It fired my passion for social justice and a focus on ensuring that quality education is accessible to people from all backgrounds.
“I got into the legal profession to make the biggest impact I could – the law is something that affects all of us, it binds us together and touches every human.
“The experience I had at Griffith made me unafraid to be myself and make my presence known.”
