Celebrating Our Graduates - Gerard Starling

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Celebrating Our Graduates - Gerard Starling

RMIT Graduate Gerard Starling proves that it is never too late to change your career, shares his passion to deconstruct masculinity in his community and his advice to future students.

Throughout 2020, Gerard felt stuck in his career and was unsure of what he wanted to pursue in the next chapter of his life. It wasn’t until he experienced the COVID lockdowns in Melbourne that Gerard took a step back and reflected on his career at the time. With the help of his partner Megan, Gerard explored other options and came across RMIT’s Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing).

“With the drastic changes happening in the world at the time, it was my beautiful partner Megan, who inspired me to take the plunge into studying something that I have always been interested in that didn't necessarily translate into financial gain or what was deemed successful within my locality,” said Gerard.

Throughout Gerard’s creative writing degree, he had the opportunity to explore various topics including the masculinity structures within his community, which became a prominent topic for his writing.

My passion to deconstruct the hierarchal structures of masculinity within the locality I was born and raised in was re-affirmed when I discovered that I was interested in this field of research by uncovering personal trauma, and this was the instigator of this obsession

Gerad also gave advice on the world of creative writing within Melbourne, and highlighted the importance of networking in the creative writing industry.

“The advice I am always giving to new students is to never undervalue the potential that networking with your community may grant for you. You may be the most gifted writer and student, but unless you involve yourself in the broader writing community, you will not have the success (or enjoyment) that you could have! The Melbourne writing scene is much smaller than you think, putting a face to the writing may open some doors for you in the future!”

Gerard expressed the importantance of being vulnerable in your writing and to explore your own experiences in life. Gerard is only at the start of his career and already making an impact.

Congratulations Gerard and good luck in the future!

RMIT offers a wide range of courses, something for everyone! Check out other inspiring student stories here.

25 November 2022

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