"I hope to continue marketing sustainable and attainable health messages."
Ellen Crocker has achieved quite a lot during her time as a Deakin student.
Not only did she complete a Bachelor of Commerce with distinction and a Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion also with distinction, she also was a Dean’s Merit award recipient in 2015, received a global citizenship award in 2014, an academic excellence award from Burwood Student Residences in 2012 and is a valued member of the Golden Key Society.
Ellen's goal is to start her own wellness brand and health retreat business and to begin this journey she undertook work experience at two leading health retreats in 2014 and 2011.
She also took on a three month voluntary role with Smiling Mind, a popular meditation App, and is now the social media manager for this business. She has had a wonderful experience marrying her two degrees within this not-for-profit organisation that uses technology to promote a pre-emptive mental health tool to young people.
We’ve spent some time with Ellen to find out her secret to success and how she discovered her combined passion for business and health:
When did you complete your program?
Ellen: I studied a double degree of public health and health promotion and commerce, majoring in marketing between 2011 and 2014.
How did you discover your combined passion for health and business?
Ellen: I’ve had a strong interest in health and a belief in the importance of overall wellbeing throughout my life. This led me to want to learn about promoting health awareness to the general public. I wanted to spread the privilege and opportunity for good health to those who need it the most. Combining health and business, opened up opportunities to develop sustainable health initiatives and use the business skills for future life endeavors.
What was your favourite aspect of studying at Deakin?
Ellen: The atmosphere at Deakin is lively, social and supportive. The warm culture in meeting areas such as the library or at cafes was inviting for getting together with friends, group projects and even private study.
The online portal and online library were study essentials and included an endless supply of invaluable tools and resources.
Can you tell us about a stand-out achievement?
Ellen: Receiving the Bowater Trust Medal in 2015 and being on the Dean’s Merit List the same year were two very rewarding achievements.
How do you think your degree will help you in the future?
Ellen: Deakin offers practical learning, professional practice, industry specific degrees and contemporary course content, which has positioned me very well within the health promotion field. As one of few universities to offer a very specific double degree such as mine, I am multi-skilled and experienced at the conclusion my four years.
Where to from here?
Ellen: I hope to use the skills I gained throughout my degree to continue my goal to reduce health inequities in society and promote healthy lifestyles for individuals, through marketing sustainable and attainable health messages. I hope to first expand my experience in Australia across many health issues and sectors, with special attention on mental health and physical activity initiatives. I would also like to live overseas for a period of time in the future and work on international social marketing initiatives, in order to learn more about international business.
What were the main factors that contributed towards being awarded the Bowater Trust Medal?
Ellen: Being a well-rounded student who managed to fit in leadership opportunities, a study abroad semester, employment, multiple volunteering/internship positions, and contributing to Deakin programs whilst upholding a high academic standard were definitely contributing factors.
What was the highlight of your degree?
Ellen: My study abroad semester to Hanze University in Groningen, Netherlands, in 2013 was the highlight of my experience at Deakin. The semester away opened my world, my mind and my personal skills on an exponential scale. I have truly become worldlier from the experience and think back on the personal journey every day.
More about the Bowater Trust Medal
The Bowater Trust Medal (formerly known as the Bowater Medal and HS Archdall Medal) has been awarded each year since 1988 to a graduate who has achieved academic excellence in a Faculty of Business and Law undergraduate degree together with outstanding performance in a major offered by the Department of Management and the Department of Marketing. Short-listed students are invited to submit a proposal to be considered for this award. Final selection is made on the basis of academic records and interview.