A fashion designer, social worker and two defence force employees inspired year 10 students with their stories of career dreams, setbacks and achievements at the annual Inspiring Young Women dinner.
Hosted by Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN, 50 year 10 students from secondary schools across Baw Baw Shire participated in the dinner, attended by "experienced" guests who provided advice on education pathways and career choices.
The experienced guests included women with careers in the health sector, community engagement, media, travel, emergency services and defence, finance, education, beauty and trades.
Guest speakers included designer Amy Hay, social worker Kirsty Monckton, army rifleman Madeline Winnett and navy electronics technician Sarah Lindsay.
They inspired students with their diverse stories of changing jobs multiple times before they settled into their preferred careers, their setbacks, their success stories and their ambitions.
Amy spoke about her development as a self taught fashion designer.
After changing jobs 15 times by the time she was 29-years-old, Amy started her business The New Red almost five years ago with the aim to put herself and her mental health first.
"I'd had enough of jobs that made me feel like a useless human being so I quit my job in the bank and had no idea how I would support myself.
Amy set herself up with woodwork in her "leaky garage" and began creating furniture that people wanted.
"I was a woman working in a male dominated industry and I was making a name for myself. I had people lining up for my furniture," she said.
After establishing a successful woodworking business, an entry in a potato sack fashion design competition provided another turn in Amy's career.
"One thing led to another and I taught myself to sew...I taught myself how to create patterns.
But, facing struggles of being self employed, Amy said she made the tough decision to return to part time work.
"I have been in my new business (fashion design) for two years now...it has taken more of my time and money than I imagined but there is something about seeing your designs worn by someone else.
"I can't tell you what career path is for you or how it will play out. Find something and give it a go and you are always allowed to change," Amy said.
Corporal Madeline Winnett has served eight years in the army, enlisting as a rifleman after seeing a description in Australian Defence Force careers information and thought "that's what I want to do."
She was 17-years-old when she joined the army and during her time has undertaken basic military training, served overseas, worked as an instructor and currently is serving in ADF careers.
"The highlight is going overseas and and travelling with your team members. I love working with different weapon systems, overseas deployments and helping other nations," she said.
Her advice for students chasing their dream jobs was - "fake it until you make it."
Chief petty officer Sarah Lindsay enlisted in the navy 23 years ago. Working as an electronics technician, she specialises in large weapon systems.
While the technical description for her job is looking after the electronics, mechanics and hydraulics of weapon systems, she said she essentially crawled inside large weapons on war ships.
Sarah said from the time she finished year 12, she wanted to join the navy. She worked on a number of ships for lengthy periods of time, knowing the ships "inside out." But she said, she was always keen to re-train to go on a new ship because she wanted new challenges in her career.
Sarah said she also had taken on psychology studies because she felt it was important to continue to challenge herself.
Sarah told students "know what makes you happy and fit that within your work."
West Gippsland Healthcare Group social worker Kirsty Monckton said she was accepted into journalism after year 12 but decided she needed a break from study. She never returned to journalism and after 10 years in the hospitality industry knew the pub scene was a scene she could only do for so long.
After completing a community services diploma and working with young people, she enrolled in a degree to be a social worker, commuting to RMIT for four years.
One of her placements was with WGHG and, nine years later, she was still there, working as a family counsellor and case manager.
"Essentially we are there to help. For me, it was the variety and room to move in this job, it's interesting and it's rewarding. It's the privilege of working alongside someone during their most difficult moments and making those moments just a little less," she said.
The dinner was supported by Bendigo Community Banks, Drouin, Trafalgar and Neerim District.
All secondary schools in Baw Baw Shire were represented including: Drouin Secondary College, Chairo Christian School, Neerim District SC, Warragul Regional College, St Paul's Anglican Grammar School, Blackwood School, ECG College, Marist-Sion College and Trafalgar High School.
This annual event has been delivered by the Baw Baw Latrobe Local Learning and Employment Network for 19 years.