Proud of the path taken – Jarry’s career change to early childhood education

A finance professional with postgrad qualifications, Jarry Shen’s day-to-day used to revolve around numbers and market trends. He enjoyed his profession, but over time found himself yearning for a more hands-on, personal connection in his career. Jarry decided to qualify as an early childhood educator, and in 2023 he completed a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education at VU.  

Now working as an educator at Werribee Children’s Centre, located at VU Werribee Campus, Jarry finds it incredibly rewarding to teach young children, and has found a deep sense of purpose in his new career.

Embarking on a change 

“It was a big transition for me.  

“I had three classes a week, so there was an assignment to complete. However, if I stayed on top of the material, the assignments weren’t too difficult to manage.  

“I would usually complete my assignments on Saturday nights, which allowed me to keep Sunday as a day to relax and recharge. This routine helped me balance study and personal time effectively.” 

Learning with support from new colleagues 

“As part of the course, I needed to complete 60 days of placement, which is when I get to put the theory into practice. If you enjoy working with children, those 60 days fly by.  

“During my placement [at Werribee Children's Centre], I learned a lot. From my colleagues, I gained valuable skills in how to communicate with children and how to resolve conflicts when they arise. Observing them helped me understand the importance of patience and clear guidance.  

“I learned that each child is unique, and it’s important to respect their individuality. Encouraging their positive behaviors and understanding their perspectives is vital to create a supportive and nurturing environment for their growth. 

As an early childhood educator, what I love most about the job is the chance to make a difference in children’s lives. Every day brings challenges and opportunities, but seeing the excitement on a child’s face when they learn something new is incredibly rewarding.   

“Watching them grow and develop, knowing I played a part in that process, gives me a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose in my work.” 

Unique perks of Werribee Children’s Centre 

“One of the major perks of working at a centre based on a university campus is access to the library. Sometimes, we take the children on excursions there, where they can read books and learn about borrowing from the library. We also engage with Wyndham Tech School, where the children get to engage with innovations like the robot dog and explore the high-tech vegetable garden. These experiences provide valuable learning opportunities beyond the classroom.” 

Looking forward 

“Reflecting on my study journey and career, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. Studying at Victoria University not only provided me with a solid foundation in early childhood education but also helped me grow personally and professionally. The placements were invaluable, giving me real-world experience which shaped my teaching style. I’ve learned the importance of patience, creativity, and adaptability in working with young children.  

Looking back, I’m proud of the path I’ve taken and I’m excited about the future.