Media releases

Federation University Australia student Chase Richardson’s road to his chosen career has been anything but direct. 

After completing a Bachelor of Arts at Federation University’s Mt Helen campus in 2013, Chase became a residential youth worker, taking a break to care for his sick father, and working in the funeral industry. He then decided to return to university to study for a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences at the Federation’s Berwick campus.  

In his most recent studies as a mature age student, he has thrived. As founding member of the Psychology Society at Federation’s Berwick campus, Chase won the 2019 FedUni Club and Society award, and has been nominated in the 2020 awards for his contribution to the university during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

In the lead up to Federation’s Return to Study information night on Wednesday, 14 October, Chase is encouraging those who would like to consider a new career path through mature age study. 

The event will provide prospective mature age students with the opportunity to learn about the benefits and available options for taking up study later in life.  

Following the impact of coronavirus lockdowns on businesses and livelihoods, the opportunity to reskill through mature age study is now more important than ever. 

Chase’s experiences have included a role as a Student Academic Leader supporting and encouraging his peers to realise their full potential, and speaking on a Q&A panel for international delegates including the South African commissioner earlier this month. 

During the pandemic, Chase has also enjoyed contributing to the student community through his involvement in the Berwick Psych Society, organising weekly check ins, a fortnightly drop-in session, creative competitions, trivia and an RU OK? Day speed friending event. He aims to gain local employment in the field of psychology. 

Prospective students interested in the Return to Study information session can access the event at https://event.federation.edu.au/ 

Quotes attributable to Federation University Psychology student Chase Richardson 

“In late 2017 I realised that I had developed a curiosity about how people work from my past roles, and with an understanding that my purpose in life is to help people, I decided to take the plunge and enrol in the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences at Fed Uni. 

“Returning to study was very daunting at first, I was essentially putting my life on hold to follow a dream that may or may not work out. Within the first few weeks of returning to class I knew that I had made the right decision, I was really enjoying the content and I had developed a great rapport with my lecturers, all of whom have remained committed to supporting and nurturing my academic success.” 
 

“It has been a very different experience to going to university straight out of school. I have more bills and commitments then I did when I was 18, but I also have more life experience behind me and more of an insight into where I want to take my career, giving me motivation to try and excel in my studies. If you are seriously considering returning to study then take the plunge, it is well worth it.” 

Quote attributable to Federation University Head of Campus Berwick, Kathy Racunica 

“Chase’s experience shows the many benefits of returning to study. It is inspiring to see our students thrive in their studies and support other students at the same time. It is particularly impressive this year as students have faced a range of new challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”