David Knobel
Hinterland YouthLinx Worker, Sunshine Coast
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science student
David Knobel puts what he learns at USC into practice every day
as a youth worker for the Hinterland Community Development
Association of Caloundra.
The Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science student says he chose
his degree, with majors in both Community Work and Public Health,
because it was an ideal fit for his career ambitions.
"The combined degree of Public Health and Community Work was the
perfect combination and I felt it would give me the skills that I
needed," David says.
"USC is also a young university, which means more contact with
the teaching staff, and the course was the most up-to-date
around."
As a Hinterland YouthLinx Worker, David works to help young
people and their families feel more connected to their communities,
reducing feelings of social isolation.
"My role is primarily activities-based, where I provide
activities for young people outside the school environment," David
says.
"This involves both relationship building so that these young
people do not feel so isolated, as well as skills development and
social entrepreneurship so that they feel more connected to the
social and cultural aspects of their communities.
"My degree has given me the analytical skills needed to work
with a community development approach. It is completely up-to-date
and has provided me with the theoretical framework that I
need."
David has advice for others considering a career in youth or
community work.
"Do as much research as you can, ask heaps of questions about
the degree, and then do all the volunteer work that is available to
you," he says.