Life beyond Radford
Rebecca Richards
- Bachelor Degree, University of Canberra, Commerce (major in Human Resource Management)
- Bachelor Degree, University of Canberra, Advertising and Marketing Communications
What does life look for you now?
Life for me now is learning the world of parenthood after welcoming a baby boy in January 2021 and taking a break from my public service job to do so. In a sport loving household, weekends are spent watching and playing sport, with rugby the dominate code over winter.
Tell us what you are passionate about?
I’m passionate about travel and staying active. You will find me at the gym most days, with me still attending until the last week of my pregnancy. While travel is currently on hold, I have been lucky to continue traveling every year to favourite destinations and new ones. With a rugby playing husband, Saturday's are spent cheering him on and continuing to be a member of the Brumbies for my 21st season with our son attending his first game at 1 month old!
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an interior designer at one point. However, I was after told in my year 10 graphics parent teacher interview that I was more likely to run a graphics business than do the designing so I ran with that studying commerce and economics in year 11 and 12, continuing it with my university studies.
What is your favourite Radford moment?
Sports carnivals for sure! Not cross country because I’m no long distance runner but loved the other carnivals and foundation day getting to play different sports.
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
My parents. They have managed to juggle so much in life and given me amazing opportunities from education, sport, living overseas and travel.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
I think with all the people in my life, I was destined to be in the public service. But with that, there are so many departments that have a vast range of roles.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
Not at all. Study went to plan and travelled for a couple months in Europe after completion. When I came back, I needed a job, just like everyone else. I was lucky to have done an internship as part of my studies and through that connection, was offered a non-ongoing role. I ended up leaving to join another department at a lower level for the security of ongoing employment however the role was not what was advertised after starting and was bullied as well. It took courage to leave this place but I’m so glad I did and found further employment at a new department which I love!
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
Make the most of trying different subjects to help work out what you really enjoy. Also how great Radford sets you up for being successful in completing university should you chose that pathway.
What advice do you have for current students?
Make the most of the foundation the Radford provides in setting you up for life after school.