Kassandra Elphick - Community Development

I was a stay-at-home Mum and had worked in roles including retail and accounts, when I decided I wanted to do something different.

I knew I wanted to work with people, and came across the range of courses offered at CIT.

I initially enrolled in the Certificate IV in Community Services, and then went on to study the Certificate IV in Community Development, and am now completing the Diploma of Community Development.

I really enjoyed the courses – particularly as I have young kids, I'm really interested in the area.

I really loved the people I attended classes with, and the CIT teachers. It was also great to be able to network.

There are so many people who work in the area, and it was great to be able to meet some of them.

I am about to go on a study trip to Broken Hill which will count as our placement. I'm really excited about the trip because we get to go out into the community and get hands-on experience. My studies have really helped with my confidence, and it will be great to be able to put my skills in practice.

I hope to get some more experience over the next couple of years - in community development, it's important to get community experience at a grassroots level. Then eventually I would like to be working in the area.