No one in Jessica’s family had been to university. So when Jessica decided to study a Bachelor of Accounting with Swinburne Online, six and a half years into her career in the federal government, it wasn’t simply about earning a qualification. She was doing something her family had never had the chance to do.
“I never really thought that I would ever go to uni,” she says. “Just being at uni, like just doing the degree, I feel incredibly thankful. And I’m proud of myself too.”
From apprentice chef to management accountant
Jessica’s path wasn’t linear. She started out in South Australia as an apprentice chef before realising the hours weren’t for her. That’s when she applied for an Indigenous apprenticeship program through the federal government, relocated to Canberra, and built a career she’s continued to grow over the past six years.
Her time as a chef continues to shape how she works today. “You learn a lot about time management,” she says. “You’re in such a small, confined space with so many different personalities. You very much learn how to work with people efficiently.”
How has Jessica’s culture shaped the way she works and learns?
For Jessica, connection to culture and community influences how she works, learns and supports others.
“We very much have a collective mindset,” she says. “We always think mob, we always think community. Coming into a workplace, I come in with that mindset. I like to have that connection with everybody, not be siloed.”
She’s also noticed how differently she learns. “I think we have a different way of learning. A lot of it is relational, or storytelling. That affects my learning style and the way I approach learning.”
Corporate environments don’t always share that way of thinking, and Jessica has felt out of place because of it. But she’s learned to flip that.
“Over the years, I’ve learned to see it as an advantage,” she says, “to come in and teach them a different way. Show them a different way they maybe haven’t been exposed to.”
What support helped Jessica succeed while studying online?
Jessica switched to Swinburne Online last year. Before connecting with the Moondani Toombadool Centre (MTC), Jessica often felt like she was navigating study on her own.
“I very much felt like I was on my own. I was trying to work things out, like who do I contact for what,” she says. “But now I feel so much more connected and supported.”
One of the biggest sources of support has been Sarah, her Indigenous student coach. “I’ve had calls with her around motivation. We looked at my schedule and lifestyle and how we could adjust that,” Jessica says. “She’s helped me with tech issues during exams too. Honestly, she’s been so helpful.”
Jessica’s also found community beyond her coach. After a trip to Melbourne with other MTC students, the group started a chat to check in monthly. “It’s been awesome for that to come out of an experience like that,” she says.
How is Jessica giving back through mentoring and tutoring?
Jessica is also a CareerTrackers alumna. Through the program, she was introduced to internship opportunities she may not have otherwise discovered. “Trying to find internships on my own would have been pretty daunting,” she says. “Having a student advisor supporting me all the way through was incredible.”
Now she’s preparing to tutor other Bachelor of Accounting students. “A lot of it will be meeting regularly, talking them through their content, making sure they understand what’s required,” she says.
What’s next for Jessica after graduation?
After finishing her degree, Jessica plans to pursue a CPA and keep building her career in federal government. For now, she’s focused on the achievements that don’t come with a trophy: staying healthy, keeping her grades up, and staying connected to the people around her.
Her advice for anyone thinking about studying later in life? “Go for it, even if you don’t fully believe. Just keep going.”
Frequently asked questions
How did Jessica Turner find support while studying online?
Jessica receives support through the Moondani Toombadool Centre, including regular check-ins with her Indigenous student coach, Sarah, for motivation and technical issues.
What is the CareerTrackers program?
CareerTrackers is an internship program that connects Indigenous university students with paid internships and ongoing mentoring support, with the potential for full-time work after graduation.
Will I receive the same qualification as an on-campus student?
When students graduate from our courses, they will receive the same accredited qualification as a Swinburne University of Technology on-campus student. The graduation certificate awarded will also be the same. Our courses and learning outcomes are the same as Swinburne University of Technology’s, but we adapt the material and its delivery to enable students to enjoy the most engaging online environment.
Why study a Bachelor of Accounting with Swinburne Online?
Our courses are 100% online with 24/7 student support available to assist you during your study journey. Our Bachelor of Accounting will help you to build expertise across financial accounting, taxation, auditing and more through industry-leading software. The Bachelor of Accounting is accredited by CPA Australia, CA ANZ, ACCA, CIMA and IPA.
Want to know more about our Indigenous Student Services?
Find out more about our Indigenous Student Services and how they can help you reach your study and career goals. Contact our Course Consultants for more information.
Editor’s Note: Full article featured in September issue of the Koori Mail
Publish date: 16 Oct 2026
*Please note that fees and/or statistics are subject to change each year.
