Transitioning from military to civilian life is much more than leaving a ‘job’ – it’s also transitioning to a new way of life. A transition that requires specialised support. For Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) veteran Phil Essam, considering the unique needs of fellow veterans and first responders was at the top of his mind when carving out his new post-Australian Defence Force (ADF) career.
Following 27 years of service in the RAAF, Phil recognised the growing number of defence force personnel and veterans who need tailored support services to navigate the challenges of civilian life. Phil was inspired to study our Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredited Bachelor of Social Work1.
Rank and role in the Australian Defence Force
Phil’s ADF career goes back to the 1980s, where he started as a police dog handler and spent two decades in security, policing and intelligence roles.
“When I left the Royal Australian Air Force in 2007/2008, I was a Sergeant RAAF Policeman. I had served for 27 years.”
Social work: The pathway to support veterans
Backed by a career dedicated to supporting Australia’s national security, Phil is committed to a working life of service and helping others. He is passionate about working with and assisting veterans, first responders, and the homeless. Phil is also interested in exploring health and aged care. Naturally, Phil would land on a career path where he could continue a life of service.
“I believe I was attracted to the degree initially, as on discharge, I was witnessing the suicide and mental health endemic happening in the veteran community. I wanted to try to do something to address what was happening. Become a veteran who could give back to those other veterans in need.”
Making his next move count with Charles Sturt
From the regions to the world, the Bachelor of Social Work from Charles Sturt prepares you to address social injustice and empower communities. Best of all, this course is delivered on campus and online. So you can fit study into your life, whether you thrive in in-person settings or prefer to learn online.
“From what I remember, Charles Sturt was the first choice. It was close to where I was living, at the time, in Canberra. I could do pretty much the whole degree online and the Charles Sturt customer service was good and responsive.”
Phil’s best advice for studying social work online?
“Be consistent with your study, plan ahead and don’t let things get on top of you. It’s not hard, but you have to be organised.
“[I experienced] one or two hiccups on the way, but the lecturers were excellent and did go the extra mile to work with me when needed.”
Scholarship to support veterans
Each year, we offer $11 million in scholarships and grants to help with the cost of study. A scholarship helped Phil prepare for study, giving him a financial boost to purchase some study essentials.
“I was able to purchase a new laptop from the scholarship funds, and also helped towards the first year of textbooks.”
Wondering what types of scholarships are available and how you can blitz a scholarship application? Find out all this and more!
Are you a veteran who is considering university study?
If you’re thinking about starting study after or during Australian Defence Force service, then you’ve come to the right place. At Charles Sturt, we’ll give you the tools, resources and support to get the qualification you need for your next career. Learn about the upside of being a mature-aged student and how full-time work with part-time study can be done.
Phil greatly advocates for veterans taking their next steps with university study.
“Anyone can complete a degree. You just need to plan ahead and believe in yourself. Don’t procrastinate about starting the degree.”
Discover how we support veterans
At Charles Sturt we offer tailored support for veterans and current serving Australian Defence Force personnel to discover their next career. Our Veteran Pathway and Support Program makes transitioning from military to civilian employment easy. Veteran support includes our direct entry program for serving and former defence force members, pathways to fast-track university study with credit, and our dedicated support and mentoring assistance. Want to learn more about how we support veterans? Get in touch.
- Bachelor of Social Work CRICOS 025159D ↩︎
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