Archie is a VCE student at Macleod College, focusing on biology and health-related subjects. With a passion for staying active and healthy, he enjoys playing basketball and footy, and even works as a basketball referee.
Coming from a family of nurses, Archie acknowledges their influence on his interest in the human body, even though it wasn’t the direct reason for his chosen career path. His curiosity about the workings of the health system led him to select Austin Health for his work experience.
Archie felt fortunate to be placed at Austin Health, where he observed a variety of high-level healthcare roles. He shadowed the physiotherapy team, pharmacists, and nurses. Reflecting on his first day, he said:
“It was a bit confronting, but not to the point where I was worried. I didn’t need to step out. Instead, I thought about how amazing it is that we have this team to help patients, which made me even more intrigued by what they do.”
Initially unsure about what happens within a healthcare setting like Austin Health, Archie quickly gained insight. The staff not only handled intense situations but also took time to explain procedures and share knowledge while caring for patients. This experience reinforced the importance of respecting patient confidentiality, a key lesson Archie now values deeply.
His biology studies helped him recognise certain aspects of the work at Austin Health, though he admits there’s still much he doesn’t understand.
> “There’s a lot I have no clue about, which I think is cool,” he shared, adding that staff reassured him by explaining that much of the learning happens on the job, even after completing formal education.
Archie was particularly inspired by the physiotherapy team at Austin Health. Watching them help a patient stand for the first time after surgery opened his eyes to the healthcare side of physiotherapy, which he found both fascinating and fulfilling. This experience shifted his perspective, making physiotherapy a potential career interest.
However, he recognises the competitiveness of the field and views nursing—offering a broad range of opportunities—as his top choice. His advice to other students considering work experience is simple: “Do it!”
He acknowledges the uncertainty many students feel about their future careers and emphasises the value of trying new things. > “This program is all about learning what you like and don’t like, and deciding if it’s for you. I’ve learned so much this week, and it’s made me excited for the future.”