They are proudly studying at university in the city (not down south), they want to stay here and reverse the brain drain.
Callan Burkett, Joe Teague, Kai English and Josh Payne are ambitious members of James Cook University’s Smithfield campus with three also being student ambassadors.
They also intend to buck the brain drain south but it will depend upon what opportunities arise.
The four all decided to study in Cairns – and not in a bigger city – and in the future hope to work in the region as well.
Mr Burkett, 23, is currently in his final year undertaking a bachelor’s degree in business with a double major in both marketing and human resource management.
“Currently I work part-time as a shift manager at McDonald’s, it provides a challenging environment that enables me to apply learnt knowledge and theory in a business context,” he said.
“I have also been provided the opportunity to work with JCU’s central marketing team as an ambassador of the university. This is to assist in providing activation and engagement opportunities for secondary students across rural and regional Far North Queensland.”
The Whitfield resident decided to go to university in Cairns to stay in the area and be close to home. Josh Payne, 21, started university in 2021, studying a Bachelor of Business before eventually transitioning to a Bachelor of Laws.
“As of this year I have also undertaken various roles such as student mentor and the JCU ambassador program,” he said.
“While I would generally regard myself as an outdoor person, I have loved the challenge and expertise that the study of law has provided,” he said.
“Moving forward with my degree I really want to gain more exposure to the commercial and family law sectors,” the Trinity Beach resident said. Kai English, 22, is in his final year of a Bachelor of Business while completing a double majors in both marketing and human resource management.
“In terms of current work and opportunity, I work as a sales assistant for Gucci Cairns. It enables me to indulge in my passion for high fashion,” the Edmonton resident said.
Mr English said he considered moving to the Gold Coast to study but appreciated the opportunities at JCU. Joe Teague, 22, also of Edmonton, is in his fourth year of a dual bachelor’s degree (LLB) of business and law, majoring in management.
“I am also involved with the university in the capacity of a volunteer student mentor, as well as a college ambassador. I concurrently work part-time within SuperCheap Auto. My interests lie within areas of corporate and criminal law,” he said.
The four students hope to get work in the region when they graduate but also acknowledge they may have to move for more positions in metropolitan areas.
Mr Payne and Mr English want to travel first while they are young with Mr Payne yet to make his mind up and Mr English keen on returning to Japan.
Mr Burkett is aiming for a marketing role in Cairns but would consider a job further away while Mr Teague is considering corporate law in a big southern firm or possibly criminal law in Cairns.
“I am split between those two,” Mr Teague said.
