CaRST Stories

Discover how CaRST has benefitted our students.

"I saw it [CaRST] as a valuable opportunity to prepare myself in order maximise my competitiveness for future employment, to ensure that I can translate the skills I have developed from my academic training to non-academic roles and lastly to take greater control of my learning and professional development. I believe CaRST will help me to improve on skills that will be highly beneficially when looking for work after my PhD. In particular, helping me to improve my networking and communication skills as well as my ability to translate academic skills to non-academic roles."

Claire Fisk, PhD Student, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

“I am a mature age student coming to a PhD after a career in business consulting. I have found that the CaRST program has been valuable to me as I embark upon this new direction. CaRST has provided me an opportunity to design my own structured development plan that enables me to focus on my key needs rather than a one-size fits all approach. CaRST has also provided me with an unexpected benefit, which is the opportunity to meet other PhD students from across the University pursuing research quite distinct from my own.”

Michael Browne, PhD student, Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics

“Participating in the CaRST program has allowed me to further develop skills in communication, professional conduct, research management and critical thinking. The workshops offered are insightful and engaging and have been possible to attend amongst other commitments due to multiple session times being offered. Participating in the CaRST program has been a very beneficial experience and it will provide me with skills and knowledge in different areas of the Researcher Development Framework which will be valuable for my future career.”

Bonnie Williams, PhD student, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

 “I needed to improve many skills (such as presenting, networking, thesis writing etc) and saw this [CaRST] as an opportunity to do so. The most beneficial thing about the program is that you actually get benefit out of doing it. The activities approved for CaRST hours actually help you as a researcher and help to develop and improve skills that come in handy later in your career. I think it will look favorable on a CV and demonstrates to employers you have taken steps to become the best scientist/researcher you can be. It also shows you have skills outside the laboratory which is critical if moving into industry/consultancy work."

Samantha Korver, PhD Student, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences