Trading tools for a mortarboard

Think getting into university is an impossible dream? Mike Chapman's story proves that it's never too late to change your career path.

After ten years in the construction industry and approaching his 30th birthday, Mike began to see an unwelcome glimpse into his future.

Leaving year 12 with no idea what he wanted to do, Mike fell into a trade. But by his 30th birthday, he was ready for a change. Day in, day out, as he watched his older colleagues suffer through their aches and industrial injuries, he decided enough was enough. It was time for a new career.

With no prior university experience, he enrolled in Flinders University's Foundation Studies program, which he says was "an excellent intro into how uni works". Taking advantage of support services like Flinders Connect, he dove into study and set his sights on a new career direction.

A university degree and new career is not some impossible dream—the Foundation Studies program helped me realise this.

When Mike first embarked on his journey at Flinders, he imagined himself pursuing a career in boat design or skateboard building. But a drive to help others in the community saw him finish his Foundation Studies program and enrol in a Bachelor of Health Sciences, with a major in Disability and Community Rehabilitation.

Not driven by a lofty career goal, Mike focuses on the present.

"I never think of my career as taking me anywhere. Instead I want to be able to improve people’s quality of life in some way."

Having built a firm foundation with Flinders University, he’s now ready to seize these opportunities when they arise.

See how close you could be to enrolling in a university degree.

Ready for a career change?