Q&A with Taylah Jones

UWA Bachelor of Arts graduate (2019)

What is your passion and how do you hope to make a difference in the world?

I am deeply interested in social impact and am always looking to have a better understanding of what the long-terms benefit of social impact investments are. My biggest passion is sustainability and understanding how we can change both micro- and macro-attitudes towards our environment.

While I do not currently work in this space, I make an active effort to educate myself and make a difference in the world by trying to understand other people and their circumstances as much as possible. Having a caring approach to the world is the best thing you can do.

What’s the most interesting aspect of your job?

I work for an Indigenous geospatial business that hosts a nationwide not-for-profit program. Working for such a small and niche business, the most interesting aspect is that I have the potential to go down many paths. My job title is Marketing and Events Officer, however I frequently dabble in project management, communications and stakeholder engagement. This means I am constantly learning and it also provides me with the flexibility to take my career in different directions should I choose to do so.

Reflecting on your time at UWA, what experiences were most important for your development?

While it may be an unpopular opinion, attending lectures was one of the most enjoyable parts of my time at uni. Getting to know your lecturers who are experts in their field is a privilege you will only gain while at university and this shouldn't be taken for granted. Listening to lecturers speak to their passions and expertise helped me understand very quickly what I liked and disliked, which helps you in understanding your strengths and weaknesses.

The large number of group assignments you are required to take seems like a crazy amount while you're studying, however I can say that the interpersonal skills, the need to learn quickly, take responsibility and work with people you might not otherwise get along with are all essential skills in the workplace. There should be nowhere to hide in a group assignment as you do not want to let your team members down, and this drive to be a good team member and meet deadlines helped me a lot.

My involvement with the McCusker Centre for Citizenship was also instrumental in preparing me for the workplace and making professional contacts.