Karen Beecheno
Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling)
USC graduate Karen Beecheno combined skills in nursing with a USC degree to launch a career as a counsellor and women’s health worker.
A registered nurse, Karen chose to study the Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling) at USC after arriving in Australia from the United Kingdom.
“The degree fit with my personal strengths, my previous nursing experience and my interest in personal development and society,” she says.
Karen undertook field education at Gympie and District Women’s Health Centre as a part of her degree, before being offered a permanent position upon graduation.
She now works as a Counsellor/Women’s Health Worker in the areas of individual counselling, group workshops, personal development, sexual and reproductive health, pregnancy, and healthy boundaries and relationships.
“My degree, combined with previous nursing experiences, certainly helped me to get this position,” Karen says.
“Within my degree I was immersed in new models, theories and practical counselling, alongside community development, sociology, psychology and Indigenous study, all taught by extremely knowledgeable USC staff.
“The knowledge gained is all very real and very relevant when working within the community sector.”
Karen also gained experience by working in a range of community-based roles while completing her USC studies.
These included positions as a domestic violence refuge worker and a youth program coordinator, as well as various roles with United Synergies at Tewantin.
Karen says she would recommend USC to others.
“It is a university that is supportive of personal areas of interest,” Karen says.
“The staff are friendly and helpful and the more natural environment is conducive to learning.”