Life beyond Radford
Andrew Gordon
- Bachelor Degree, University of Canberra, Public Relations, 2005-2010
- Media Team Leader, Australian Federal Police, 2012-Present
- Comms and media specialist, Government, 1999-2012
- Duty manager, Canberra clubs, 1992-1998
- Tutorship, Forres School, Dorset England, 1991-1991
What does life look for you now?
I'm currently the team leader for the ACT Policing media team. I'm married to Tracy and we have two teenage sons. Living the good life in sunny Tuggeranong.
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
When I left Radford I had plans to work in hospitality and eventually be a hotel manager. After a few years of working nights, weekends and public holidays in pubs and clubs, I turned to government work. As it turned out - I then had roles where I worked nights, weekends and public holidays....
What is your favourite Radford moment?
Year nine camp was a highlight. But THE highlight was the friendships that are still strong today - 30 years after we left school.
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
Mr MacKinnon was a great school leader, as was Mr Wigg. During school- Matthew Beever was an inspiration to all of us in the Class of '90 - and he continues to inspire me to this day.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
It's not. But I'm a firm believer in taking up offers or opportunities when they arise. You'll never know, if you don't go. Say yes and see where it takes you.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
While I planned to work in hospitality - that plan changed as life moved on. I was lucky enough to be sponsored to complete a degree as a mature age student - in a field that I'll likely work in until retirement. My career has taken me to some amazing locations, experiences and events across Australia and the world. While I didn't have a 'plan' for any of this - it has all worked out pretty well.
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
Don't sweat your ATAR. Schools continue to place enormous pressure on 'achieving' (for a multitude of reasons) but the reality is - if you emerge into the wide world polite, thoughtful, and willing to give anything a go - you'll do OK. My parents now know that dragging me into the director of studies office to consider doing Year 13 was a short term response to a short term issue. Yes they'd spent a crapload of money on my education (which didn't yield the academic results they were expecting) but school is more than just marks.
What advice do you have for current students?
See above. And make sure you know how you prefer to 'learn'. Makes it easier when you say 'yes' to giving something a go.
