Oxley Alumni Careers Day
We recently welcomed back a group of alumni who returned to share their diverse career journeys through a panel discussion with our current Year 11 and 12 students at the Oxley Alumni Careers Day.
Spanning industries from law and medicine to media, design, agriculture and emergency services, their stories helped our students understand that their pathway after graduation is not linear and some of the best opportunities can come from places they may have never imagined.
Among the speakers was Roger Johnson (Class of 1989), whose career began with hospitality studies in Switzerland and evolved into leadership roles across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. A defining moment came when he managed logistics and staffing for the Olympic Village, igniting his passion for large-scale operations. He later co-founded a national recruitment and training business and today continues to give back through service with the Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and as a Justice of the Peace.
Kerby Clements (Class of 2002) shared her journey from landscape architecture graduate to business owner. After working in Australia, the UK and Europe, including a senior role on major projects, she established her own design practice. Now based on the South Coast, Kerby has expanded her work beyond landscapes to designing and developing homes, blending creativity with entrepreneurship while balancing family life.
A leader in the legal field, Jennifer Ingram (Class of 2003) is now a partner at global law firm Ashurst. Specialising in infrastructure, she has worked on major transport projects including the Sydney Metro. Her career highlights the impact lawyers can have in shaping the cities we live in through complex, large-scale developments.
Students were also inspired by Michael Nielsen (Class of 2007), whose career has taken a less conventional route. Beginning as a ski patroller in Canada, he progressed to paramedicine before becoming an emergency doctor. Having worked across several countries, Michael emphasised the importance of embracing unexpected opportunities and viewing life beyond school as an evolving adventure rather than a fixed plan.
Clare Davies-Mills (Class of 2013) offered insight into the world of data and market research. Now a Senior Client Manager at Kantar, she works with major organisations to better understand people and make informed decisions. Her experience navigating study, an honours thesis, and entering the workforce during the pandemic highlighted resilience and adaptability.
From business to sustainability, William Mussett (Class of 2001) spoke about his transition from working in his family’s timber business to building a regenerative farm. What began as a lifestyle change has grown into a working enterprise producing pasture-raised livestock, honey and vegetables, demonstrating how passion can evolve into a thriving and sustainable career.
In the health sector, Madeleine Griffin (Class of 2005) shared her pathway to becoming a senior physiotherapist. With extensive experience in intensive care and emergency departments, she has also taken on a role supporting the next generation of practitioners through clinical education, reflecting a career that blends practice and mentorship.
Morgan Burgess (Class of 2007) highlighted the value of following intellectual curiosity. After completing a PhD in literary studies, she built a career in libraries and archives, working across major institutions before becoming a Collections Curator. Her journey demonstrated that career directions can change—and often improve—through exploration and persistence.
Paige Farrow (Class of 2011) gave students a glimpse into the world of television and film. Starting as a junior editor, she progressed into production roles on major Australian series before moving to London to work as a writers’ and producers’ assistant. Now developing her own projects and co-writing for an upcoming Disney series, Paige’s story showcased the power of creativity, initiative and industry connections.
Together, these alumni painted a vivid picture of life after Oxley, defined by curiosity, resilience and the courage to take chances. Their return to campus was a valuable opportunity for students to see what is possible, and to be reminded that every journey is unique.
An enormous thank you to all these alumni who gave their time to connect with our current students. If you would like to be involved in the next Alumni Careers Expo, please get in touch with Student Futures Advisor, Mrs Liane Bull via Liane.Bull@oxley.nsw.edu.au
