Josephine Keijzer
Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling) graduate
USC counselling graduate Josephine Keijzer is working with two organisations that aim to make a difference in people’s lives.
After completing two field education placements in the final year of her Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling) degree, Josephine graduated from USC with a Dean’s Commendation for academic excellence.
Shortly after, she gained employment as a Counsellor and Women’s Health Worker at the Gympie and District Women’s Health Centre, and as a part-time Youth Support Worker at United Synergies.
“I enjoy working alongside dedicated, focused, caring people and using the skills that I have gained academically and through my life experience,” Josephine says.
The business owner and mother of two says she decided to study at USC to build on existing skills, and to gain a professional counselling qualification.
“I was doing a teaching degree and realised I was more interested in the children who were not engaging in the classroom, so I moved over to USC to study counselling,” she says.
“Working as a therapist, I also come into contact with people experiencing grief and loss, and I wanted to gain professional skills in order to work effectively with them.”
Josephine says USC was an attractive study option for a variety of reasons.
“Some of the reasons involved the quality of the lecturers; a comprehensive, accredited counselling degree; the student assistance available; and the location and rich resources at the University,” she says.
“The quality of lecturers who have lived experiences is really demonstrated during their lectures and tutorials. The lecturers, and administration, library and support staff… aim to support you.”
Josephine hopes to remain connected to the University in future.
“I enjoy getting together with past students who are now working in the human services fields,” she says.
“We share information on workshops we’ve attended and how our workplaces—and those we network with—deliver professional services.
“We’ve been through uni together and it’s great to stay in touch.”