We spend so much of our lives at work, so finding enjoyment and meaning in our career is often a high priority. But as lifestyles and priorities change over time, it's not uncommon to feel a career itch – your routine gets stale and your enthusiasm for your work dwindles.
Jo was a science librarian for 20 years and had long felt like she needed to pursue a new pathway but returning to study, reducing her income and starting from scratch prohibited her from taking the first step.
Teaching had been on Jo’s radar for many years, so when she heard about the Department of Education’s paid Turn to Teaching Internship Program, she jumped at the opportunity.
The 2-year program gives career changers with an undergraduate degree financial support while they complete their Master of Teaching, plus a paid teaching internship to help them gain professional experience and get into the classroom sooner. After their studies, participants receive a permanent teaching position in a Queensland state school.
‘The internship program, with its financial incentives, is perfect for someone like me with lots of financial responsibilities, like mortgages, cars and children at school,' she said.
‘I thought this is a career opportunity that's too good to miss and it will help me greatly to get it done, get it done quickly and hopefully with the minimal impact to the other responsibilities in life.’
Jo is completing her internship at
Thuringowa State High School in Townsville. In this video, hear how the program has supported her in this new chapter of her working life.