Structural engineer Owen has taken his passion and knowledge of maths and physics into the classroom, inspiring students and building opportunities for future generations in the field of STEM.
Quite the career change from designing high-rise buildings and bridges in Australia and the UK, Owen started his journey towards teaching in 2003 when he began a postgraduate Bachelor of Education (Secondary) at the University of Queensland.
Owen said while his passion for engineering had not faded, his life priorities had shifted making teaching an enticing option.
He completed the 2-year program in a year and a half, with a summer semester—a challenge that he took in his stride.
'I love engineering and the design work is intellectually stimulating and rewarding, especially when you get to see your designs being built,' Owen said.
'But I started feeling like something was missing after about 7 or 8 years as a design engineer.
'Long days in the office spent behind a computer with not a lot of interaction with colleagues, coupled with weekend work meeting deadlines set by developers, started me thinking that there may be more to life.
'A couple of people had suggested to me previously that I would make a good teacher and that was eventually the catalyst for making the change.'
Challenge and reward
Since completing his degree, Owen has been challenging and inspiring students' minds in Queensland state schools.
The students he teaches challenge him right back.
'What most surprised me about teaching was the amount of energy required for the role,' Owen said.
'Teaching is dynamic and you are constantly having to think on your feet.
'It's the little things that are actually quite big things, like learning all of the names of the students in your class as quickly as possible. Not an easy task!
'I appreciate the importance of getting to know your students as individuals along with what motivates them.
'You are developing the whole person—not just their ability to perform well in exams and other assessments.
'I genuinely love teaching and am always looking to improve the way I communicate understanding of difficult concepts.'
Career flexibility
Owen has also dedicated much of his time involved in extra-curricular activities, competitions, school camps and excursions, all that he has found very rewarding.
As a family man, Owen said while teaching can at times be more than a 9 to 5 job, the added benefits that come with obtaining a work–life balance were invaluable.
Outside of the classroom, Owen loves exploring the outdoors, going on camping trips and spending time at the beach with his family.
'I always make sure I take a fishing rod whenever we go away,' he said.
'I also enjoy attending my children's sporting events and going on day trips.'
Owen's advice
Owen's advice for anyone looking at teaching as a career change is positive but honest.
'It is an extremely rewarding job as long as you are doing it for the right reasons,' Owen said.
'It's a privilege being able to teach and mentor young people and see them develop into mature young adults, however this comes with much responsibility.
'It can be tiring but it is definitely worth it.'
Ready for a change like Owen's? Find out
how to become a teacher.