Hello, I’m Renee Sorbello and I’m currently studying two Bachelors - yes I know, pretty full-on schedule, but for me, it was more beneficial to complete both at once!
I am in my third year of Accident Forensics (AF) and I have added Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) to the mix because together they will give me the opportunity to gain employment in a vast array of fields. For example completing AF would allow me to investigate an accident in aviation, rail, road and even industry such as mining, construction or commercial plants, however by adding the Bachelor of OHS I have now opened the door to not only investigating the accident, but also the ability to implement safety alternatives at all levels in the company. Additionally I will also have the qualifications to reduce reoccurrence of such accidents, making jobs safer, and putting the wellbeing of the worker first. Come graduation, my plan is to break into the field of OHS in Western Australia as an OHS Generalist, which means I can operate in many different sectors, even having some crossover in mining and rail.
As a single mother wanting to gain a career after parenthood, my journey began with TAFE, which then lead me into university. While completing a Bachelor of Arts which included subjects such as Law, Social Work, Indigenous Studies and Sociology I came across Accident Forensic subjects. After completing the first three subjects I was hooked and decided to return to university and enrol in the Bachelor of AF. During my second year we were given the opportunity to add the Bachelor of OHS which I couldn’t pass up – so here I am, a mature-aged university student in my third year of a four year dual degree.
One of the highlights of doing the Bachelor of AF comes down to two words: CRASH LAB! Most of the residential schools for AF are held at the Bundaberg Campus Crash Lab where students get the chance to put all their learnt theory into practice. From investigating a two-car collision or a crane that has rolled over, Crash Lab is the ultimate experience! To top it off, it is ever-expanding with CQUniversity having obtained a plane and soon a train and tracks to simulate a rail accident, which makes studying at this university the best hands-on experience you will ever get!
>> Thinking of a career in investigating accidents or implementing safer workplaces? The Crash Lab will be one of the highlights of the CQUniversity Bundaberg Open Day on Saturday, 6 August from 9am-1pm. To register and to find out more, visit www.cqu.edu.au/opendays.
