Meet Jessica: Jessica has a passion for Early Childhood Education studies. She is a Doctor of Philosophy research student now after having started at Deakin with a pathway from TAFE into Deakin’s Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, and then progressed to postgraduate studies with Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Education Research. She studied her undergraduate degree on campus and her postgraduate degree online. She has won a number of awards, and generously shares her experience of study and research in the interview below.
Why did you choose to study at Deakin?
Jessica: My fondness for learning began as a TAFE student. During this time, I became eager to continue my learning journey at a university level. Deakin University offered an amazing pathway that recognised my TAFE qualifications and provided the opportunity to commence the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education as a second-year student. The University appealed to me as a progressive and friendly environment that valued critical thinking and encouraged a positive sense of community; features that are important to me as a student and a person. My experiences as an undergraduate student were beyond what I had anticipated. All staff, including lecturers, librarians, the admissions and enrolments team, were welcoming, knowledgeable and all-round brilliant. My undergraduate experiences fostered my love for learning, which saw me return to Deakin University after two years of gaining industry experience. There was no doubt in my mind that my post-graduate studies would be undertaken at Deakin as I was confident that the same standard of teaching quality and an affable community remained.
What made you interested in choosing your study area to pursue a career?
Jessica: It could be argued that endeavouring to become an early childhood teacher was fate. Being the elder sister to four siblings, I learned to be patient, attentive and caring. Importantly, I enjoyed supporting and watching their learning and development (and still do). With this being a rewarding experience, I chose to dip my toes into early childhood education studies. However, that toe-dipping transpired into adoration as I learnt just how important and crucial the early years of life are. The knowledge I gained as a student and in my practice as an early childhood teacher bound together my joy for children’s development and the understanding that positive early years experiences for all children are imperative. I have come to appreciate what a privilege it is to have a career in the early childhood education profession!
How is your course/research preparing you to be work ready when you graduate?
Jessica: The undergraduate degree provided me with knowledgeable and approachable lecturers, plentiful opportunities for practical experience, thought-provoking scholarly resources and a well-resourced library teamed with talented librarians. These resources and opportunities grounded me with the knowledge, skill and capability to step-out into the profession with confidence. A real take-away from my undergraduate experience has been to learn that if you apply yourself and seek out opportunities, all the support you need to become career ready are available to you during the course. This has continued to ring true throughout my post-graduate studies. From the support and insight offered from experts, such as my supervisors, to gaining practical experience in undertaking research, writing and publishing papers, marking, lecturing and supporting other Deakin students, there are abounding relevant opportunities that are preparing me to become ready to undertake many career possibilities.
Tell us about your experience of Deakin’s teaching/academic staff and their connections with industry.
Jessica: As an undergraduate student in early childhood education, Deakin made the process of organising teaching practicums straight-forward. One option was to allow for the professional experience team to find suitable placements close to home. Alternatively, I was able to suggest specific early childhood services and primary schools that I hoped to be placed within. At various points, I used both options. This allowed me to experience the profession as a pre-service teacher in educational settings that I had never considered, as well as in particular setting that I was interested in. Both options had their advantages, and it was clear that Deakin has established great partnerships with many early childhood and primary school services across Victoria to facilitate these teaching practicums. As a post-graduate research student, Deakin’s academic staff across the School of Education appear well connected and immersed with the industry. The academic staff are not only knowledgeable about current happenings relevant to the early childhood education profession, but have vast connections with various individuals, groups and organisations. The academic staff maintain their past and present industry connections. This is evident to me, and of great benefit, as the academic staff are always able to connect me with relevant individuals and organisations to support me with my queries, research undertakings and industry pursuits.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your course/research at Deakin?
Jessica: The first word that springs to mind is ‘growth’. Throughout my undergraduate, post-graduate and now doctoral studies, I find myself being continually inspired by a sense of growth. Not only am I growing in knowledge and understanding, but in a range of skills that I have come to value and am grateful for. Becoming more capable in my comprehension skills, critical thinking, writing abilities, verbal communication, and the corresponding confidence is the most rewarding gift I have received from undertaking studies at Deakin. All of these gifts have been made possible by the supportive learning community that I have encountered consistently throughout my studies. This community includes the academic staff, the administrative teams, the librarians, all staff and fellow students and all the inspirational work that they create and support that they provide. Such growth has been and continues to be beneficial not only for my career interests but are fulfilling in my everyday engagement with life! I will be forever indebted to all those who made this possible and continue to do so.
Have you undertaken any professional experience?
Jessica: Professional experiences are an embedded aspect of the undergraduate education degree. Amazingly, this provided me more than 100 hours of practicum placements within early childhood services including long day care and sessional kindergartens and primary school settings. The professional experience practicums were an invaluable way to put into practice my newfound knowledge, foster my teaching skills and begin establishing professional networks. I know that the embedded professional experience placements were highly valued by myself and my peers. During my post-graduate research studies so far, I have already been able to enjoy relevant professional experience such as involvement in research projects, publication opportunities, teaching and marking, and supporting undergraduate students online. I am eager to undertake other professional experiences knowing that many more prospects await me!
Have you completed any study abroad?
Jessica: Unfortunately, I have not completed any study tours or studied abroad. However, I am hopeful that during my doctoral studies, I will be able to take up the opportunity to attend and present at an international conference! I would like to note that in conclusion of my undergraduate studies, I was encouraged by a lecturer to make a submission for ‘The Global Undergraduate Awards’. As a result, I was awarded highly commended for the submitted paper, which was written as an essay assignment during my undergraduate course. I was fortunate that Deakin funded the opportunity to attend The Global Undergraduate Summit in Dublin, Ireland in recognition of the award. What a fabulous way to conclude my undergraduate studies; I felt so privileged to be able to attend and partake in an event that honoured higher education.
Throughout my undergraduate, postgraduate and now doctoral studies, I find myself being continually inspired by a sense of growth.
How would you describe the learning environment and culture at Deakin?
Jessica: The culture at Deakin, as I have experienced it, is vibrant, accessible, inclusive and supportive. The academic staff show enthusiasm and expert understanding for their subject areas, and for early childhood education more broadly. Their approach to sharing their knowledge and experience is very down-to-earth, which supports students to feel comfortable in the learning environment. There is a great sense of collaboration where student ideas are encouraged to be shared, considered and challenged. Across the University, there is a great sense that the inclusion of all students is advocated for. It is a wonderful experience to be able to see, meet and interact with diverse students from all walks of life who are pursuing their own academic interests.
Have you accessed any of Deakin’s support programs?
Jessica: In the early days of commencing my undergraduate degree, I found myself feeling overwhelmed by the life change and experienced what I would call “culture shock”. I had not experienced education that required such independence and rigour, and I was unsure whether I was capable of managing it all. Gratefully, I soon learnt that Deakin offered free counselling sessions to students and I took up the service very quickly and thank goodness that I did. The service really supported me to become comfortable with the transition and to appreciate that adjusting to university studies can take time. The support that was provided to me through that service helped build my resilience which supported my ability to progress through my studies successfully.
Where do you see your career in five years?
Jessica: The work being undertaken by early childhood educators and teachers is extremely important and essential. I feel strongly about the early childhood workforce and endeavour to support upcoming and practicing early childhood educators and teachers. Additionally, I want to strengthen community awareness of the important role early childhood education and the workforce have for children’s learning and development and for society as a whole. In five years, I aspire to contribute to these endeavours through higher education lecturing, by undertaking research relevant to the early childhood workforce and contributing to projects that intend to support and sustain early childhood educators and teachers within the profession.
What would you say to someone considering study/research at Deakin University?
Jessica: I recommend Deakin University to family, friends and colleagues so often! I believe that all people from all walks of life will find themselves feeling welcomed by the University. Whether you are intending to complete an undergraduate or post-graduate degree, or a degree by research, you will be well supported by experienced, friendly and knowledgeable academic and professional staff. You will have access to a wealth of scholarly resources and an array of anticipated and unanticipated opportunities that will help you flourish in preparation for your career or academic goals.
What would you say to someone about to study online?
Jessica: Find a rhythm that works for you and stick with it. Motivation is nice, but it isn’t always reliable. There are definitely days (or weeks) where attending to your studies feels daunting, or impossible. This is the time to tell yourself to get going and just give it a go! It might help to create a study space that is inviting and inspirational to you. Or, perhaps you will discover that you work best at the library, outdoors or in a café. Whatever it is, take the time to get to know your study-self and commit to it. Be sure to be kind to yourself too!
Jessica Ciuciu studied the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, then the Graduate Certificate of Education Research, and is a current Doctor of Philosophy (Education) candidate at Deakin University.