4 ] September 13-14, 2014 The Weekend Australian

Pathway to acclaimed novel

Brooke Davis

FOR debut novelist, Brooke Davis, writing her book while completing a PhD at Curtin University was a “hugely positive experience in every way.” A creative writer, Davis completed Curtin’s doctor of creative arts program on a government scholarship, so she was able to focus on writing her novel almost full time.

The end result is Lost & Found, which was published by Hachette in July and received critical acclaim. The book follows three characters – seven-year old Millie as well as Karl and Agatha, both in there 80s – each dealing with grief, which was the theme of Davis’ study.

Davis says she found it liberating to produce something creative in an academic context. “It’s an amazing opportunity because you receive cultural, financial and social support to write a book.” As well as her novel, Davis produced a lengthy exegesis – a research-based essay – around her theme. “In all, it took me five years. A PhD is an absolute marathon and a real test of your endurance, but I loved it.”

Davis says the networks she developed through studying at Curtin have proven invaluable. “From doing the PhD I have an incredible peer group of other writers. It felt such a privilege as being a writer can be quite isolating. I loved the workshops the lecturers facilitated. They weren’t compulsory but for me, connecting with other writers and reading one another’s work was wonderful.”

Originally from Victoria, Davis completed her first degree at the University of Canberra. “For me, studying is an adventure so I like to do it in a new location. I’ve loved being in Perth and now I don’t know if I’ll ever leave!”

Standing out from the crowd

Will a masters degree give your career the shot of adrenaline it needs?

A KEY motivation for undertaking postgraduate study is the edge it can give you in the employment market. But with more and more people undertaking higher degrees, will the blood, sweat and tears really pay off?

Yes it will, according to the latest Graduate Careers Australia (GCA) report into postgraduate destinations. Using data from its annual Australian Graduate Survey, GCA found that more than 94 per cent of postgraduates were employed shortly after completing their degrees. Similarly, Australian Bureau of Statistics data suggests that postgraduates have an unemployment rate of just 3 per cent compared with 7.7 per cent for those with no post-secondary qualifications and 5.3 per cent for the entire workforce.

While the number of people completing a postgraduate degrees rose 127 per cent between 1999 and 2011, the total number in the population remains relatively small. The ABS 2011 Survey of Education and Work reveals just 5 per cent of men and 4.2 per cent of women hold a postgraduate degree such as a masters or PhD.

Bruce Guthrie, GCA’s policy adviser, says there’s no doubt the higher qualification gives you a significant advantage in the job market.

“It’s a stable trend. With a higher degree you will do far better in the labour market and it’s more likely too that you’ll be employed in a high-level position,” says Guthrie.

“Twenty five years ago you could finish year 12 and get a decent job. Now, you need a bachelor degree at a minimum and because this is the new baseline qualification, people are doing a postgraduate degree to stand out.”

In some industries a postgraduate qualification is becoming mandatory. Teaching is one example, where some states are moving towards masters degrees as the minimum qualification for new graduates to obtain registration as a teacher.

“The teaching profession is trying to raise skill and training levels so as to attract better people. Will this push demand for qualifications ever higher? I think there’s a ceiling in terms of what people are prepared to do,” says Guthrie.

With numbers of postgraduates climbing, Guthrie predicts potential growth in PhD by coursework degrees as people look to differentiate themselves to employers.

“It’s like a very long masters. It’s seen more overseas but that type of qualification might gain traction here.” Guthrie says postgraduate qualified people have a lot to offer employers.

“There’s a huge amount of personal development that occurs through postgraduate study, plus there’s exposure to different ideas and ways of thinking.”

Despite the advantages, Guthrie cautions against expecting an immediate financial payoff.

“Our research consistently shows postgraduate salaries are higher, however it can take a couple of years before any financial benefit kicks in.”

GCA reports the overall median salary for postgraduates in 2012 at $75,000, up $2000 from 2011. Of course, it doesn’t have to be about career and financial pay-offs. There are

It’s a stable trend. With a higher degree you will do far better in the labour market.

For more information
Interview with GCA’s Noel Edge Postgrad earning graphic
www.theaustralian.com.au/pg