Life beyond Radford
James McPherson
- Australia Day Medallion
- Masters, Charles Sturt University, Organisational Communication, 2015-Present
- Middlesex University, Recording Arts, 2006-2008
- Navy Media Manager, Department of Defence, 2016-Present
- Navy Events Manager, Department of Defence, 2012-2016
- Technical Officer, Museum of Australian Democracy, 2010-2012
- Production Manager and Sound Engineer, Eclipse Lighting and Sound, 2004-2010
What does life look for you now?
I'm married, have a three year old, and work in communications for the Royal Australian Navy. I am also an active Navy Reservist and work in theatre doing sound in my spare time.
Tell us what you are passionate about?
I love sound designing for theatre. I still pursue this while also chasing a fulfilling career in the public service.
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a pilot from when I was 5 to 16. It wasn't until year 11/12 that I realised I wanted to work in the entertainment industry. After doing that for 8 years, I got a little tired of it and so changed to communications.
What is your favourite Radford moment?
Organising a rock concert for lunchtime and doing the musicals.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
Not so easy, but I chose options that left doors open. This allowed me to be flexible and try sound engineering, lecturing at the tertiary level, production management before settling on comms.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
Not at all. I have had a mid-career change and quite a departure from what I am trained in.
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
Leave your options open as much as you can.
What advice do you have for current students?
Do what you are most passionate about, but don't put all your eggs in one basket.
