​​Sonia’s passion for team sports and coaching led her to pursue a career in education. Now she’s landed a full-time role at the childcare centre where she did her work placement.

 An active 19 year old, Sonia spent her teens training at the Rowville Sports Academy in the basketball program. Her love of team sports and coaching led her to a career helping children with their personal development.

“Watching them grow and to be part of their development is such a rewarding thing for me,” says Sonia.

Studying online for her Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care through Chisholm Online has given Sonia the flexibility to fit study around her work, social and sport commitments.

“Online study suits me as I want to be able to work. Being flexible means you can go online any time you wish to complete your work, plus being online, the content is always there so whenever you need to look back at something, you can.”

A work placement is a mandatory component of her diploma.  Sonia sourced her own placement – and ended up with a full-time job, doing what she loves.

“I am a hands-on learner so doing work placement was great because it’s where I learn best; seeing other educators doing different things was also a great way for me to learn new things too.

“All the staff were so helpful and always willing to give me a hand whenever I needed it – they were very approachable and made me feel really comfortable.

“The course has been really in-depth so I have learnt a lot of different things I now apply in my current role, such as dealing with children’s different emotions.”

Sonia’s advice for anyone looking for work placement? “It pays to look around first at different centres before you ask for placement to see which centre you would feel most comfortable in. And it’s better to visit the centre to try to get a placement rather than ringing or emailing them.”

For advice on securing a work placement, contact Anne Kermeen, Chisholm Online’s Work Placement Coordinator on 1300 275 265.