"AMA" with an Outdoor Leadership graduate!

Friday, 5 December 2025

What course did you study, and what sparked your interest in Outdoor Leadership?

I studied the Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership (SIS40621). I have always been incredibly passionate  about studying and getting involved in Outdoor Leadership, as it completely changed my 
outlook on life throughout high school, and I hoped to become like my Outdoor Education teachers I had. 

Can you tell us about your study experience? What were some highlights of the course?

My biggest highlight was getting to know a group of wonderful people who had the same passions as me and loved getting outside and learning. I also just loved the sheer amount of hands-on learning, it felt like we were rarely in a classroom, which is perfect for the way I learn. 

What were the most valuable skills or lessons you took away from the course?

Throughout the course, we were taught how to successfully facilitate and bring a group of people together, and I found this an invaluable life skill that is relevant in everything and helpful in everything. Another important skill was team work and how to effectively communicate, especially when in a stressful/dangerous situation. 

Where has your Outdoor Leadership training taken you since graduating?

I have worked/been offered multiple jobs working on journey programs with kids in schools; as well as working for a year and a half at one hard top camp, where I learnt so much and managed to be promoted to a Team Leader, managing and looking over all the other instructors, as well as the programs. I would not have had the confidence, without this course. 

How did Wodonga TAFE support you in your learning and career goals?

Wodonga TAFE, specifically my teacher Andrew (AKA "Rooey"), was incredible in supporting our career goals, he constantly assisted us in networking, even bringing companies to TAFE to talk to us, as well as keeping us up to date with all available jobs he knew of and even recommending personalised jobs to us that he thought would suit us. 

Did you face any challenges during your studies? How did you overcome them?

I often struggle managing my time and assignments successfully, but I asked the teachers for help and they were incredibly helpful, offering me assistance to begin tasks that overwhelmed me. As well as purposely going to the library and blocking out time to work on specific tasks.

What advice would you give to someone considering the Outdoor Leadership course?

DO IT! Even if you don’t think you can, do it! It is the most fun you will ever have studying and you will have incredible teachers, as well as meet some of the best people you have ever met. You will also learn so much and push your comfort zone but grow so much from it all. 

How has the course impacted your personal growth or changed your outlook?

The course gave me so much confidence, as well as so many facilitation skills, which have not only helped me in outdoor work but also in all aspects of my life. It made me grow immensely and if I was able to re-do the course, I would. 

What’s next for you in your outdoor leadership journey?

I am not entirely sure; I have just finished working at an outdoor camp for kids and hope to start working on journey programs and taking groups of kids out on longer trips. It also solidified the idea that I can and will never be able to work in an office, so I am also looking into conservation roles and education, where I can teach young people in the outdoors.

Favourite outdoor adventure or trip you did during the course – and why?

Probably the final hike we did through the Viking Wilderness. It was definitely our most challenging trip, physically and mentally but it showed me that I am capable of doing really hard things and I am in the right career. I had learnt so much throughout the course and this trip felt like the final bringing of it all together.

 

 

Does a career in the outdoor leadesrhip field sound exciting to you? Learn more about the course here: https://bit.ly/3CAndVY