Catherine Elliott is a woman who’s humbly proud of her university, Federation University Australia (or FedUni for short). But after 3 semesters at FedUni, she made the move to a university in Melbourne, where she found that prestige isn’t everything and that a well-rounded university education is more important – and potential employers agree.

What are you currently studying?

I’m in my third year of Bachelor of Commerce (Applied Economics and Finance) at Federation University Australia.

For you, what’s important in choosing a university?

Initially when I was first looking for universities, I wanted somewhere that offered me a slower pace of life but still offered a great educational platform to reach my career goals.

Why did you leave FedUni?

Having been at FedUni for just over a year, I thought the units that the Melbourne uni offered would have provided me with a much more competitive edge. But, that was a misconception.

What was it like leaving FedUni?

Leaving FedUni was really hard for me. I’d established a really great network of friends and colleagues, and having to start all over again, even though I had something under my belt, was very daunting. The first few weeks in Melbourne were quite overwhelming. It was like my pond had changed and I was completely out of water. That said, the Melbourne uni was a wonderful experience, it taught me a lot about myself and where I wanted to be.

Why did you return to FedUni?

My move back wasn’t a failure on the Melbourne uni’s behalf; it was more that FedUni was my fit. A career goal of mine is to work within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and, after attending a DFAT briefing in Melbourne, I pulled the speaker aside and asked him what DFAT looks for in Graduate applicant, and if it matters what university I go to. And he said it doesn’t, but what matters more is who you are as a person and what you bring to the department. Doing well at university and understanding the concepts is critical, but the prestige of the university is irrelevant.

What support does FedUni offer its students?

FedUni are open to change and evolving the way they engage with students. They’re active with their student support and they don’t expect that you’re just going to do well, or that you’re going to reach out for assistance. Instead, they offer an opt-out mentor program, personable staff and networks and services that allow you to talk to students who’ve previously done the course.

What kind of relationship do you have with the community at FedUni?

You can have a much more open dialogue because FedUni is much smaller than metro unis – there aren’t 500 to 600 people in a lecture. I’ve found I’ve built relationships with my professors and the advantage of that is, next year when I’m looking to do postgraduate study, I already have connections with people of influence and with vast resources. I don’t think that’s something you can get from a metro uni – they’re still student focused, but I think FedUni has more of an open door policy. “I feel that at FedUni I’m part of a community not a university.”

What does it mean to you, to be part of FedUni’s Federation Generation? What’s it like?

It’s that sense of identity. I’m a proud FedUni student and I don’t just say that flippantly, I’m very proud. I have the choice to graduate with a University of Ballarat degree, and I’m not, I’m choosing FedUni instead. At the end of the day, I get to be one of the first to graduate at FedUni, I get to be a part of that – part of the Federation Generation.

Why does FedUni speak to you?

I like how FedUni facilitates Higher Education for people so they can become something and make a difference in the world. “I’m part of a university that won’t cut you down, it’ll lift you up.”

Why do you recommend FedUni?

Obviously it’s a very personal choice for everyone. Every university offers something different. But if you’re like me and want to be part of a community, to create long-lasting friendships, with a little more support, there’s no other choice.

Come and to FedUni’s Open Day on Sunday 28 August. For more information visit federation.edu.au/openday or call 1800 333 864.

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