Since commencing at Bond University in 2006, Natalie Jones hasn’t looked back. Currently in her final semester, Natalie will graduate in February 2009 already having successfully secured a full-time position at Snore Australia, a sleep disorder clinic.
Having studied at two other universities, Natalie took the advice of her brother-in-law who was also studying at Bond and enrolled in Bond University’s Bachelor of Exercise Science.
“I found my other University experiences very unappealing. What I particularly like about Bond are the small classes and the better learning experiences.”
Throughout her Bond University studies Natalie undertook work experience two nights per week in the sleep lab with Snore Australia and assisted with Professor Gass’ Exercise Science STEPforWARD research project. The STEPforWARD work experience was completed in addition to 100 hours of clinical experience built into the program that Natalie completed in the Cardiac Investigation Unit at the Royal Brisbane Hospital.
“I expressed an interest in sleep science and Professor Greg Gass provided me with a contact of an established Neuroscientist in the field. Without Greg’s help I would not have made this connection”.
“Bond has many well known lecturers and my association with them and the standard they demand, definitely helped me find my job.”
“Clinical Professional Experience contextualises the classroom learning, places our students in front of future employers during real work situations. It is an essential part of student learning in the Bachelor of Exercise Science” said Professor Gass.
“A sleep scientist helps diagnose sleeping disorders. Patients come into the clinic upon referral from their GP. “My job will involve attaching many electrodes to their head to monitor brain waves and monitors over their body. During the night I will be monitoring their sleeping patterns and habits that may interfere with their sleep”
Now preparing to enter the work-force, Natalie is ready to tackle her future ambitions and promises there will be “no sleeping on the job” for her.