Celebrating graduate Janelle Cleven: Excelling as a mature age student

After a seven-year career break and with no prior tertiary study experience, Janelle Cleven shares her inspirational story in harnessing Vocational Education to return to the workforce.

When Janelle decided to return to tertiary study as a mature age student, she did not expect to not only succeed, but also absolutely thrive in her new environment.

“I was looking to take a completely new direction after taking time out of paid work to raise my children,” said Janelle.

“Returning to study part-time was a great way to develop the skills I needed to make this happen.”

Janelle enrolled in the Associate Degree in Legal Practice (Paralegal) with the goal of upskilling and returning to the workforce after a seven-year career break.

“The role of a paralegal fits my skills and aptitudes, while the ability to study part-time suited my circumstances,” said Janelle.

“This qualification can lead to many different employment opportunities offering challenge and progression.”

Despite entering tertiary study after many years out of school, Janelle tackled the challenges of being a first-time tertiary student with remarkable grace and aplomb. This led to her achieving spectacular results, both inside and outside of the classroom.

There was a steep learning curve initially after being away from study for such a long time, but after completing my first few assessments and realising I was on the right track, I found my feet again fairly quickly!

Janelle was awarded Student of the Year for the Business and Enterprise Cluster at the 2023 RMIT College of Vocational Education Student Awards.

Besides having an exemplary academic record, Janelle is an active participant in the legal industry.

During her time at RMIT, she interned at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) in their Human Rights Law Program. This internship allowed Janelle to use the skills she learnt in her degree to give back to her community – her work at the ASRC focused on supporting and empowering refugees and asylum seekers, one of Australia’s most vulnerable communities.

“I had the opportunity to work with and learn from some amazing people who have been very generous in sharing their knowledge and expertise,” said Janelle about her experience at the ASRC.

“As well as practical and technical skills for working in a legal practice, I have been able to gain experience working with both vulnerable people and those with very diverse backgrounds. These skills will be invaluable for many areas of the legal field.”

It is no exaggeration that Janelle’s efforts helped save lives by preventing refugees from being forced to return to countries where they face danger, persecution and death. Janelle’s academic and industry achievements were acknowledged at the 2023 RMIT College of Vocational Education Student Awards, where she was awarded Student of the Year for the Business and Enterprise Cluster.

Janelle has proven that a long time away from study is not a barrier to succeeding at university. She is living proof that learning is a lifelong endeavour – no matter how many years it has been since your last study experience, it is never too late to pursue your dreams in higher education.

“It feels a bit strange to have completed my studies after four years part-time,” said Janelle excitedly.

“But I am looking forward to going back to work, putting my skills to use and finally getting paid again!”

Story: Wen Yee Ang

30 November 2023

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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Celebrating graduate Janelle Cleven: Excelling as a mature age student