WHEN Defence Recruiting came to William Carter’s high school, the Year 10 student was immediately enthusiastic about the career opportunities the Australian Defence Force could offer. The most attractive, according to Carter, was Navy.
[Image, right: Lieutenant William Carter is now weapons electrical engineer officer of the Australian Navy.]
"The thought of multiple postings sometimes involving completely different jobs, overseas travel, and the unique experiences of serving at sea, sealed the deal," he said.
At 23 years of age, Carter has already explored many of the diverse opportunities a career in Navy has to offer – all thanks to his Defence University Sponsorship. Since graduating Carter has undertaken a number of job specific courses and is currently doing his Masters.
Carter applied for the Defence University Sponsorship in 2005 after completing his first year of Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics). He was on the sponsorship for his final three years studying at the University of Queensland. He was paid a salary and remaining HECS debt was taken care of, along with a number of other benefits.
During university semesters, Carter had few Navy commitments other than the occasional meeting or function. This left ample time for studying and other university commitments.
"The Defence University Sponsorship gave me the opportunity to allocate more of my time to my academic studies and alleviate some of the stresses and pressure that are sometimes involved in maintaining a work/study/life balance," he said. As well, a major benefit was the guarantee of a secure job upon graduation.
"It was great to have a job to jump straight into given the fact that a number of my friends found it difficult to find jobs after uni," he said.
In his current role as weapons electrical engineer officer, Carter manages a Defence contract, which provides various support services to the Commonwealth for circuit card test and repair. His role gives him the opportunity to work not only alongside Navy personnel but a range of civilian counterparts.
"My position is embedded within Defence Material Organisation, allowing me to work with both public servants and contractors, and that gives me insights into the broader Defence organisation," he said.
A job as a weapons electrical engineer officer in the Navy differs from civilian engineering careers with the possibility of being posted to sea.
"You always have to prepare for the unexpected, but this also provides some great career possibilities," he said. There is also the potential to undertake further study in his career.
"Defence personnel may be required to undertake specific courses when they are posted into different positions," he said.
"I’ve already taken a couple of courses in procurement. Each of these courses will give me extra skills that I can not only use in my current position but in my future career."
Currently studying a Masters in Project Management through distance education with the University of New South Wales, Carter is enjoying the challenge of balancing work and study.
Engineering careers available as a Defence University Sponsored student
