Career Summary

Heidi’s journey in criminology has been defined by a deep commitment to creating meaningful change within the justice system. Inspired by a desire to help others and challenge the status quo, she embraced every opportunity—from internships and placements to student life and leadership. A pivotal experience with Community Corrections sparked a clear career path, leading to roles as a case manager and now Registrar at the County Court’s Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court, where she plays a key role in supporting rehabilitation over incarceration.

Heidi’s Monash experience nurtured not just her academic growth, but her values, confidence, and vision for a more compassionate system. With a strong foundation in critical thinking, empathy, and real-world experience, Heidi continues to be a passionate advocate for justice reform—proving that when you lead with purpose, your career can become a powerful tool for change.

Career Pathway

Oct 2022 - present: Registry Officer (Drug & Alcohol Treatment Court), County Court Victoria

May 2022 - Oct 2022: Travel - Career break

Nov 2021 - May 2022: Case Officer, Dept of Justice & Community Safety, Victoria

Sep 2021 - Nov 2021: Case Management Placement, Dept of Justice & Community Safety, Victoria

Sep 2017 - Sep 2021: Team member, Coles Group

Career Journey Questions

What advice do you wish someone had shared with you on your first day at Monash?

I wish someone had told me that it’s okay not to have everything figured out on day one. Uni isn’t just about getting good grades—it’s about growth, meeting new people, and trying new things. Don’t stress if you don’t have a perfect plan or a dream career mapped out yet. Take the time to explore different subjects, have conversations with your lecturers, ask questions, and get involved in things outside of your degree. The best opportunities often come from places you least expect.

How did the Monash Arts community support your growth and ambitions during your studies?

The support from Monash Arts was huge, whether it was through knowledgeable lecturers, engaging coursework, or opportunities to gain practical experience. The sense of community also made a big difference—having people around you who share your passions and push you to think critically is incredibly motivating. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to challenge ideas, explore different perspectives, and shape your own path.

Were you involved in any activities that enriched your university experience, such as, student organisations or clubs, internships or study abroad?

I was involved in the Monash cheerleading team, where we competed at competitions within Victoria and interstate, this was an amazing way to meet people and balance my studies with something active and fun. I also completed an internship with Community Corrections, which was a game-changer for my career. It gave me real-world experience, helped me build professional connections, and ultimately led to employment. If you have the chance to do an internship or placement, I highly recommend it—it gives you a huge advantage when stepping into the workforce after graduating. Unfortunately, due to covid I was unable to study abroad but If I had the chance, I would have definitely done study abroad. Since graduating I have done a lot of travelling and I think if you have the chance to do that while studying it broadens your scope so much more and enhances your own personal growth.

What advice would you give to new students about making the most of their time at Monash - both academically and socially?

First, don’t be afraid to ask for help, your tutors, lecturers, and classmates are there to support you. I would always reach out to tutors if I was not understanding something, and they were always more than helpful in organising a meeting outside of class to go through something. No one expects you to know what you are doing in your first year at uni. Second, find a study routine that works for you early on, so you don’t fall into the last-minute panic trap. Most importantly, get involved, join clubs, attend events, and say yes to opportunities, even if they’re outside your comfort zone. Uni goes by so fast, and some of the best memories and connections come from the experiences you have outside the classroom.

In what ways has your Monash Arts degree shaped your career or personal journey?

My criminology degree helped me build strong research, analytical, and communication skills, which have been essential in my career. More than that, it gave me a deeper understanding of social systems and human behaviour, which has been so valuable in my work within the criminal justice system. Having my degree enabled me to complete a student placement at Community Corrections which led me to a job as a case manager and then further I have leveraged on those skills and now work as a Registrar of the County Court - Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court. Without my degree, I would not have the qualifications for these roles. On a personal level, it made me more open-minded and adaptable, things that are just as important as practical skills in any career.

From your perspective, why are studies in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences essential in today’s society?

We’re living in a time where critical thinking, communication, and understanding different perspectives are more important than ever. Studying Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences gives you the ability to question the world around you, challenge assumptions, and engage in meaningful conversations. Whether it’s tackling social justice issues, shaping public policy, or even improving how we interact with each other, these fields give us the tools to create a more informed, empathetic, and progressive society.