success stories
Nedzad Mujcinovic, Graduate Cadet
Nedzad was 17 when he arrived in Australia in 2002. The trip to Australia for him and his family was long and harrowing. But, so far, his journey since has been filled with a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment. Originally from Bosnia, Nedzad and his family fled their war torn country and arrived in Australia on humanitarian grounds after a world search for refuge.
“After the war Sarajevo was destroyed. There were no prospects and the political situation was terrible.”
Capitalising on his change of fortune, Nedzad has now finished a five year degree in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design and had been with his sponsor company, Foster’s Australia, for all of that time.
“I was very lucky with my mentor. He has been great. He gave me projects that tested me. Real work with real outcomes. Foster’s doesn’t just have students for the sake of having students.”
“I am very happy and feel fulfilled when the projects are completed and often my suggestions have been taken up. You develop as a person and get educational support. Also working in a professional environment from day one really gives you a head start over others at University.”
Successfully completing his degree course, Nedzad has been shortlisted twice for Wheels Young Designer of the Year and last year won the VACC Target 2020 Award.
Yuki Simmonds, Graduate Cadet
Yuki knew that she was different to the other girls at her secondary college. Her parents separated when she was 3 weeks old and she was brought up by her mother with only sporadic contact from her father. Both parents were drug users. When she was a young girl, her father came back into her life but contracted HIV and died as she was about to start Year 11. Yuki’s mum gave up drugs but took up drinking. Consequently, when Yuki’s younger brother was born, she became his carer in many ways.
“Becoming a cadet was a fantastic opportunity for me. One of Australia’s biggest and best law firms became my sponsor company. I did my work experience there which led to a part time job. It was challenging work but it also showed me what I was capable of. It gave me confidence I had never known before.”
Another part of the program is the Life Skills Camps held at Doxa Malmsbury Camp.
“At first we learnt about study skills, but as we progressed, it was communications skills, leadership and job interview skills. Things I knew nothing of. More importantly, at these camps, I knew that what ever their story, the other cadets and I had something in common. It was an amazing experience.”
Yuki is currently employed as a Research Officer at Parliament Victoria.
Ali Mullaie, Current Cadet
Ali Mullaie entered the Doxa Cadetship Program in 2006. His journey to Australia is one filled with inspiration, persistance and courage. The following article tells of Ali's story.
Saved from the sea, but still adrift in Australia - The Age, 2nd June 2007 (76 kb pdf)
Martin Phillips, Graduate Cadet
Martin Phillips graduated from the Doxa Cadetship Program at the end of 2008 after completing a five year double degree of Bachelor of Engineering-Aerospace/Bachelor of Technology. He is now employed by his Sponsor Company BAE Systems Australia as an Algorithmic Engineer. The following article was in the Melbourne Leader Newspaper recently.
Ex-farmboy works field of defence - Melbourne Leader, 2nd November 2009 (189 kb pdf)
