How Health Science is helping Tahlia find her direction

Choosing a career path straight out of school can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not entirely sure where your interests or strengths lie yet. For CDU Student Ambassador, Tahlia Wood, taking time to explore different study options became the key to finding confidence, direction and purpose.

Originally from Queensland, Tahlia didn’t see herself as “academic” during high school. After graduating in 2020, she took a gap year before moving to Alice Springs permanently – a decision that changed the course of her life.

“I only planned to stay for two weeks,” she said. “But I fell in love with the people, the community and the lifestyle.”

Working in an optometry clinic sparked her interest in healthcare and helping others, but she still wasn’t sure what direction she wanted to take. Rather than jumping straight into a long-term degree, Tahlia started small.

“I think a lot of people feel pressure to know exactly what they want to do straight away,” she said. “But it’s okay to take baby steps.”

Tahlia first completed a Certificate in Social and Mental Health, where she explored psychology, social work, communication and community support. The experience helped build her confidence and opened her eyes to the many different pathways available within the health industry.

From there, she progressed into further study and is now completing a Diploma of Health Science online through Charles Darwin University.

Broad courses, such as Health Science, are designed for students exactly like Tahlia – people who know they’re passionate about helping others but may still be exploring which career suits them best.

Unlike highly specialised degrees, health science programs allow students to gain foundational knowledge across multiple areas of healthcare, public health, psychology, anatomy, wellbeing, research and community services before committing to a specific pathway.

For many students, that flexibility can make all the difference.

“It gave me the chance to figure out what interested me without feeling locked in,” Tahlia said.

Throughout her studies, Tahlia relied on CDU’s support services, speaking regularly with staff and student advisors who guided her decisions and supported her direction.

“I’ve been really grateful to CDU staff and students for helping me come out of my shell,” she said. “They made education feel accessible.”

Now working as a CDU Student Ambassador, Tahlia enjoys advising prospective students who may be feeling uncertain about their own futures.

“A lot of students think they need to have everything figured out already,” she said. “I like showing them there are so many options and pathways available.”

At school expos and community events, Tahlia often speaks with young people about their interests and helps them understand how different courses can lead to a wide range of careers.

That versatility is one of the biggest strengths of studying health science.

Graduates from health science and related pathways can move into careers across:

• Public health
• Mental health support
• Community services
• Health promotion
• Allied health
• Indigenous health
• Disability support
• Research and policy
• Health administration
• Rehabilitation services
• Youth work
• Aged care
• Environmental health
• Health education
• Case management
• Outreach and community development

Many students also use health science as a pathway into further study in areas such as:

• Nursing
• Psychology
• Occupational therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Social work
• Medicine
• Nutrition
• Exercise and sports science
• Public health research

For Tahlia, having the space to explore different interests before settling on a direction has been invaluable.

“You don’t have to rush,” she said. “Sometimes the best thing you can do is start somewhere, build confidence and allow yourself time to figure out what really fits.” 

Find your career in health with CDU's range of courses in Health Science.