Life beyond Radford
Andrew Letton
- Bachelor Degree, The Australian National University, Commerce, 2014-2018
- Graduate Diploma, University of California, Berkeley, Sustainable Design, 2018-2018
- Management Consultant, KPMG, 2016-Present
What does life look for you now?
I'm currently living in Canada and loving every second of it! Upon completion of some studies here, I'll probably be heading back to Australia to complete some further study. Honestly, I have no idea what I'll be doing in 12 or even six months time!
Tell us what you are passionate about?
I've always had a keen interest in travel, technology and helping others. Since leaving school, I've been able to maintain a good balance of each - I work in Consulting, manage to travel extensively to study and still find time to complete some volunteer work.
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
I honestly had no idea. I wasn't aware that 'solving problems' was an occupation. Since finding Consulting, I've been able to do exactly that and I really enjoy it.
I also often think about starting my own business. It's something that I've wanted to do for a while and I'm sure I'll get around to it someday!
What is your favourite Radford moment?
Attending a Gunawirra (Gamilaraay) trip was one of my best Radford moments. Community service whilst getting to know your classmates and teachers in a small, close group over a couple of weeks - what's not to love!?
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
Whilst I won't name names, I remember two distinct characters that shaped my time at Radford. They were both incredibly passionate about what they taught, and accepted nothing but the best from the individuals in their class.
It was their love for what they do that inspired me to find a field of study and eventual occupation where I felt the same!
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
Not easy at all. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying! I'm still not exactly sure where I'll be in five, 10 or 15 years, but I know I'm building a set of experiences that are helping me better define what I really love doing.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
Yes and no. I wasn't sure where I'd be going to university, but I received an early offer from ANU (always check your emails, kids) and also secured a position working with the Australian Government before ATARs were released in 2012 - it definitely reduced my stress levels as I had something to jump into as soon as school finished.
I decided to try something else in 2014, where I travelled to North America. Fast-forward a few years and I'm now studying in Atlantic Canada! It just shows that nothing is ever a clear, linear path.
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
That the things you stress yourself about really, really don't matter that much in the long-term. If you step back and look at your stresses in five years, I promise they'll pale in comparison to the bigger and more exciting things you've got going on now!
What advice do you have for current students?
Time management is an art form. Setting up good habits in Senior School (or being forced to in the first year of university!) will help you immensely throughout life when you've got a lot more going on. Making every minute count is really important.
Anything else that you would like to share?
I think that's all for now, but I'm sure there will be more to add soon!