Michaela Orsmond will start university life next week on one of only five Corporate Scholarships offered nationally by the independent, not-for-profit Bond University on the Gold Coast.
As a recipient of the prestigious scholarship, Ms Orsmond has received 50 percent tuition remission for her chosen dual degree of Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Commerce with the possible opportunity to apply her studies through an internship with the sponsoring organisation JBWere, a leading Australian wealth management firm.
The Somerset College alumnus studying law was ‘in her blood’ and she was fulfilling the calling to a career where she would thrive.
“I come from a long line of lawyers, I will be the seventh generation lawyer in my family,” said Ms Orsmond.
The 17-year-old said the scholarship and corporate opportunities with JBWere made her dreams of studying at Bond come true.
“I have always wanted to study at Bond University, it felt like everything fell perfectly in place when JBWere helped me realise this dream,” said Ms Orsmond.
As a future Commerce student, Ms Orsmond was particularly captivated by the staff and students after spending time on campus.
“I was impressed by the helpful and friendly people, but most of all the small class sizes appealed to me as it makes me feel like I am joining a small community,” said Ms Orsmond.
Ms Orsmond will be able to complete her double degree in just three years and four months thanks to Bond’s fast tracked, three-semesters-per-year system, and as a keen sportswoman is looking forward to getting involved with the sporting clubs on campus.
Earlier this year Ms Orsmond was part of the South Coast Girls Water Polo team who won the plate, the highest award, at this year’s Water Polo State Championship.
“I participate in many sports and clubs so I am looking forward to being able to continue to do so; my interests include surf lifesaving, swimming, cross country, netball and water polo,” explained Ms Orsmond.
Bond University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Saunders said, “Our unwavering commitment to building and maintaining meaningful relationships with the community and leading corporate organisations has led to our corporate scholarship sponsors assuming a mentoring role with students, which provides them with an opportunity to apply their study through an internship.
“This combination of study and industry experience gives students the leading edge when it comes to securing employment and forging high-level careers in the corporate sector,” he said.