A career change forged alongside cultural connection: Werner’s story

A Murawari man, Werner began his construction career working as a carpenter in Queensland, before moving to Melbourne 10 years ago. In recent years, Werner embarked on a career change, exploring studies in commerce before deciding on law.

Before starting his course, Werner contacted Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit, asking for help with his application. He met Marcus Brooke, Aboriginal Student Support Coordinator, and they catch up regularly.

Marcus has seen Werner’s investment in his course and future career as a lawyer.

“He really has that mindset – all his chips are in. He is so interested in what he is learning and the cases he is reading. He’s a great talker and networker, and he gives up his holidays and personal time to get more industry experience. It’s a great quality,” said Marcus.

Changing careers from carpentry to law, have you found the skills and experience you developed as a builder are equally valued in law?

“Working in the building industry, I quickly learnt how to deal with clients, especially what they are trying to communicate and what they are looking for. This helped me build confidence in connecting with people, with diverse cultures and personalities.”

How important has the connection with the team at Moondani Balluk been for you?

“Connecting with Moondani Balluk was important to me. I am a Murawari man, and stepping into another tribal land, Moondani Balluk made me feel welcome and very supported through my journey in law. I was able to make connections with other Koori people. But most of all, Marcus Brooke has been fantastic, helping me, and keeping in touch about how I am travelling with my law degree, if I need help with anything or my mental health. It’s the best Aboriginal support I have come across.”

What do you enjoy about studying law?

“I enjoy the challenge of learning about all the different laws and how important it is in our everyday life. I love reading. Before I started studying law, I hadn’t read many books at all, even when I was at school. Since I started studying law, I have read so many books, and now I enjoy reading and connecting with other students from all areas, such as mature-age students, and students from diverse cultural backgrounds.

“I have met with constitutional and criminal lawyers, including barristers – and I have become interested in court preparation.”

You did a clerkship with the Victorian Bar, spending a week each at the Federal, County and Supreme Courts and a week shadowing a barrister. Can you share a little bit about that experience?

“Spending a week in each court system was an incredible experience that I never thought that I would have in my life. Being in court and observing double murder cases was a very intense feeling I had never had before, with the families of both parties being in court. Words can’t describe how I felt.

“Coming from building trade to an office environment, a lot of things had to change. On a building site, you can say whatever you want; in an office environment, you have to be careful of what you say, especially in court. I had to teach myself specific skills in language; a quick change in my personality was in development.”

Have you undertaken any other clinical placements as part of your degree?

“I am involved with the Career Tracker program: they help Aboriginal people who are studying at university to get their foot in the door of organisations, working in the field of their degree. Career Tracker has helped us develop our skills and prepare us on how to further the careers of our choice, and make connections in our journey. Without Career Tracker, I don’t know where I would be today.”

If someone is thinking about a career change to the law but is doubting themselves, what advice could you give them?

“I think just to give it a go, life is too short.

“If you are half thinking about it, just do it. If you try it and you don’t like it, then you can try and find something that you will be satisfied with.

“And if find you love it, then go for it.”

What are you most looking forward to in your studies and after you graduate?

“I am looking forward to graduating and feeling proud of myself. I am still deciding what direction to take after I graduate, and it will be great to have time to myself and think about the next steps in my future. I know that there will be doors open in the end, but making the right choice will be the hardest thing.”

Moondani Balluk means ‘embrace people’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people. If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, or thinking about returning to study, please get in touch with the Moondani Balluk team. We can support you in many ways during your time at VU, including with course and enrolment advice, cultural awareness activities, cadetship opportunities, employment advice, and more.

Find out more about Moondani Balluk, the support services we offer and how to get in touch.