Whanganui girl cracks dream job

FLYING HIGH: Senior international officer at Deakin University, Rosie Brown, travels to Japan with students.

Emma Russell continues her series charting the stories of former Whanganui students who have gone on to success in the big, wide world

Six years ago Rosie Brown left school with an ambition to work hard and become successful - the specifics were irrelevant.

Now the former Whanganui High School student is cracking the big time as the senior international officer at Deakin University in Melbourne.

In her job she travels abroad regularly to recruit students, develop partnerships with other universities and manage student internship programmes. 

So how did this global guru nail her dream job?

Straight after finishing high school, Rosie completed a bachelor of arts degree in international relations at Victoria University in Wellington, followed by a certificate in digital marketing with the Marketing Association.

But it wasn't the books alone that got Rosie to where she is now.

"You don't need an international relations degree to do my role," she said. "You just need to be able to think strategically, develop relationships with a wide range of people, and be able to keep up to date with what is going on in the market."

While still a student, Rosie worked a series of part-time and full-time jobs, starting as a customer service representative at investment consultants RaboDirect and later completing a short stint at Massey University as a marketing co-ordinator.

In March 2015, Rosie took a job as student adviser at Deakin University, and it wasn't long before she was promoted to senior international officer. 

The 24-year-old said she got to where she is now because her hard work was recognised.

"I have moved roles and been promoted completely based on proving myself internally. People appreciate you going above and beyond at work - and building positive relationships is crucial."

Despite the high demands and heavy responsibilities, Rosie said she loves her job.

"I get to help some incredible young people, who are really going to go places, work towards their goals - and that is so exciting to see.

"Not to mention the travel - I have been to Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan and have trips planned to Taiwan, England and India this year."

Looking into the future, Rosie said she wants to work in international consulting helping businesses to maximise their potential.

"Consulting roles allow you to continuously work with new people and provide fresh eyes which is sometimes what a business needs in order to progress further."

By Emma Russell
Wanganui Chronicle 17/3/17