Sophie Purdue
Sophie Purdue
Master of Public Health
Sophie Purdue is our next graduating student - she’s just completed her Master of Public Health, specialising in Global Health, having already completed a double degree of Arts/Science!
It’s been a hectic few years for Sophie! She’s been volunteering with Oaktree, a youth-led international development organisation, as the Timor Leste Program Director, and is also currently the program coordinator for Timor Leste with the International Women's Development Agency - IWDA.
“IWDA supports local organisations to advance and protect the rights of diverse women and girls across the Asia Pacific. They support programs in gender-based violence, women's political and civil leadership and women's economic empowerment.”
She admits that juggling a full-time Master’s degree, paid work and volunteer work had its challenges, but she still recommends that students get involved as much as they can!
“The theory you learn in university becomes infinitely more meaningful if you are able to apply it within work contexts. As well as volunteering with Oaktree, I completed a professional practice unit with WaterAid Australia and the Burnet Institute as part of my degree, giving me further practical experience within organisations working in global health.”