Graduate Testimonials - Hall of Fame
At Patrick’s College, we are very proud of our thousands of graduates. We hope you enjoy reading their inspiring stories below and we are currently working on acquiring more stories from graduates of 1923 to Present.
Mia Burcher, 2021 Graduate
''The reason I chose to study at Patrick's College was because my older sister Bianca had studied at the College and graduated in 2018. She spoke very highly of Patrick's which reassured me that this was the best suited college for me.''
''I liked studying at Patrick’s as I found that all I was learning is going to be useful in my career. I enjoyed the work environment at the College and most of all meeting new friends.''
''I have successfully landed a job at Ashurst, which is a global top tier law firm, as a Team Assistant."
"I am encouraging my younger sister to come to study at Patrick's as my time at the College was impeccable.''
Brielle De Moura, 2021 Graduate
“I chose to study at Patrick's as my Careers Advisor recommended the College to me and told me about all of the successful previous students that had completed the course.”
‘’What I liked most was the flexibility at the College - Mondays off were great too! I also loved having very helpful teachers that guided me through my tasks. As a result of the Patrick’s course, I have recently been employed as a Junior Secretary at Watson Mangioni.”
“I would definitely recommend Patrick's to a family or friend as it is a great course for anyone interested in getting straight into the workforce with a one year course, and finding employment at many well renowned companies.”
Fiona Ficarra, 2021 Graduate
“I chose to study at Patrick’s when I decided I did not want to complete the HSC, instead I was interested in starting my career early. The course offered at Patrick’s was something that stood out to me as they have an amazing culture and a long history of success.”
“What I enjoyed most about my time at Patrick’s was getting the opportunity to meet so many amazing people whilst learning in a friendly and supportive environment with both teachers and students. My experience at Patrick’s is something I will never forget, and I am so grateful for the person Patrick’s has helped me to become.’’
“The skills and qualities that are taught at Patrick’s have been very helpful towards finding employment. Nearing the end of my course I gained a position as a Junior Legal Assistant at Corrs Chambers Westgarth.”
‘’I would definitely recommend Patrick’s to a family member or friend as I feel it is an amazing place to study.’’
Abbey Harmston, 2021 Graduate
"I chose to study at Patrick’s as I am interested in the secretarial field. My mum, Tracey Harmston attended Patrick’s in 1989, she was an influence in my decision to attend Patrick’s as she is a successful businesswoman and loves her career."
"I liked learning about the programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) as it was more of a practical component in the Diploma. Studying the legal subject in the course was also very interesting as I am interested in law."
"My education at Patrick’s led me to gaining employment at a top tier law firm. Towards the end of the course, I was offered a position as a Team Assistant at Ashurst."
"In the future I would like to experience different aspects of the world through travelling for leisure and potentially for work."
"I would recommend Patrick’s to anyone interested in the field as it is a great course. The relationships formed with other students and teachers is close and personal where you always have someone to lean on and ask for help."
Siena Johnson, 2021 Graduate
''I chose to study at Patrick's as I was initially unsure what path to take upon completing year 12 so I decided to explore all my options. After meeting with Jacob, I realised that Patrick's was right for me as I learnt of the skills and knowledge that was acquired at the College as well as the opportunities that were provided to us."
''The one-on-one mentoring from the teachers and the amazing atmosphere that a small group of students can create was what I liked most about Patrick's.''
''Upon finishing the Business Administration course at Patrick’s, I landed a job as a Team Assistant at Ashurst which I am very excited to commence.''
''Patrick’s has taught me skills that will stick with me as I move throughout the workforce, and it has created lasting friendships.''
Claire Feighery, 2021 Graduate
“I wanted to get a job as a secretary, preferably in a law firm, and I was extremely impressed with the reputation Patrick’s had and all their different connections with different firms.”
“I enjoyed getting to meet all the girls I studied with that wanted to get similar jobs and all being from different parts of Sydney. I also enjoyed learning all the skills that helped me gain employment.”
“With all the help from Patrick’s I was able to find a full-time job at K&L Gates as a Junior Legal Secretary.”
Sophie Castro, 2021 Graduate
"I was always interested in studying at Patrick’s as I decided that I did not want to complete the HSC. I have older cousins and an aunty who also studied at the College, and I have watched them succeed really well, and they inspired me. After coming to the Open Day with my parents I was very impressed and applied straight away. It has been the best opportunity after leaving school and I wouldn’t want to have it any other way!"
"I loved my time at Patrick's and made such good friends, had the best experience and wouldn’t have wanted to have it any other way. The teachers were the best and beyond helpful. I was very lucky to have had such great support."
"Through the connections of the College I was successful in getting a really good opportunity with Herbert Smith Freehills as an Administrative Assistant. I really look forward to working with a big team and achieving my goals. I would most definitely recommend Patrick's to family or friends."
Gabrielle Currie, 2021 Graduate
"I chose to study at Patrick’s College as I wanted to start my career early, my Careers Adviser at De La Salle encouraged me to go to Patrick’s as I was not set on a certain career path, but I wanted to gain knowledge in business administration to have the ability to go into most industries. I signed out of school in 2020 after I completed Year 11 and I started the intense 40-week Business Administration course at Patrick’s in 2021."
"Patrick’s was an amazing experience for me, I met so many people and had a great support system from the staff."
“Studying at Patrick’s definitely helped with finding a job, I got my current job through the Industry Liaison Manager at the College. I am working at Holman Webb Lawyers as a People & Culture Administrator."
Jaime Greig, 2021 Graduate
“I chose to study at Patrick’s as I wanted to enter the corporate world, more specifically a law firm and become a Legal Secretary. Patrick’s stood out to me as it has many connections with top tier law firms, and they have a great community culture at the College with a long history of success.”
“I really enjoyed my time at Patrick’s as the culture at the College is really welcoming and fun. I was able to form friendships with the other girls and the teachers were always so helpful. The College made a big effort to bring us all together by taking us to lunches and doing fun themed days.”
“The Patrick’s curriculum was able to properly equip me to enter the corporate world and gave me all the skills employers look for. I use the skills that I learnt at college every day in my current job such as outlook, word, excel, document formatting and touch typing. Since graduating from Patrick’s I have been working as a Legal Secretary at the Crown Solicitors Office.”
“I would definitely recommend Patrick’s to family and friends as I believe without the help of Patrick’s I wouldn’t have been able to get where I am today.”
Claudia Selby, 2021 Graduate
“I chose to study at Patrick’s College as my mother had graduated from the College in 1990, and got a great job out of it. I wanted to follow in her footsteps and do the same thing.”
“If it was not for Patrick’s, I would not have been able to get a proper full-time job. I got a job at McCabes as a Junior Legal Secretary.”
“Patrick’s helped me so much, even with the small things, such as creating a CV and writing a cover letter properly.”
“In a couple of years my sister is planning to study at Patrick’s as well, and follow in the footsteps of my Mum and I.”
Belinda Selby (Claudia’s Mother) receiving her Testamur from Cardinal Edward Bede Clancy, then Archbishop of Sydney, at the Patrick’s Graduation in 1990.
Emma Newman, 2021 Graduate
“I chose Patrick’s College because of the flexibility of the course, and the option of continuing studies at university with advanced standing afterwards. It also meant that I still had a bit of a routine so that when I entered the workforce I wouldn’t need to adapt to a totally new routine.”
“I enjoyed meeting new people who were on the same trajectory in life as me. I had people who were able to relate to any issues I had, as well as understand the achievements I was making at the College. Our lecturer, Sandra’s classes were great, and will be something that I will always remember.”
“The education I received at Patrick’s gave me the skills that employers were seeking for new employees. The extensive training in Microsoft office software and managing meetings gave me the necessary skills that allowed me to secure a job at WLM Financial Services as a Junior Administrator.”
“I would recommend Patrick’s College to anyone, as it has given me so much experience that I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. The friendships that I made at the College are something that everyone should experience.”
Bridget O’Reilly, 2021 Graduate
“I made the decision to study at Patrick’s College as I had heard many amazing past experiences and reviews from friends who had studied at the College and from my Careers Advisor at St Ursula’s. The two components that grabbed my attention were the high graduate employment success rate and the career partners which Patrick’s liaises with in the corporate world.”
“I also believed that the skills learnt such as business etiquette, dress sense and overall professional prestige gave me the edge when applying for a job at the completion of the course! And it most certainly did as I have been successful in finding a job!”
“This course has given me the opportunity to land a job with the Police Association of NSW as a Legal Clerk where I will be able to put all my skills learnt at Patrick’s into practice. I am so grateful to the College for providing us with such wonderful job opportunities!’’
“The relationships formed with other students were close and personal which meant that in times of difficulty we could always turn to each other for guidance and assistance. I am so grateful for the teaching staff who provided me with one-on-one assistance when needed to ensure I was competent when completing all of the units. I also loved the structured nature of the work, as it helped me prioritise tasks and allowed me to complete all tasks with a higher priority first.’’
“I would recommend this course to anyone interested in business. It is such a wonderful course that sets you up for life! I’m so very grateful that I chose to study at Patrick’s. It is an experience I will never forget!’’
Lily Dirrmann, 2020 Graduate
“Two years ago I didn’t know who or what I wanted to be. Seeing some of my friends struggling to stay in university or studying so hard that they had no social life really wasn’t appealing to me. I decided that I needed some time to think and work however my Mum wasn’t very pleased. One day she was talking with her friend at work where she mentioned Patrick’s and my Mum thought it would be perfect for me. Although I was reluctant at first it was the best decision I could have ever made.”
“The support and people I met there are something I will never forget. The fact that we all became so close so quickly even though we all lived in different areas was so amazing as we all wanted to work hard and achieve our best together. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to help mould me into the person I am today with the perfect job for me. It couldn’t have turned out any better and for that I am so grateful.”
“I am now a full-time Legal Secretary at Clyde & Co, a law firm in Wynyard. I am so happy and so thankful to the Careers Coordinator who helped me get this amazing job.”
“I would highly recommend Patrick’s to a family member or friend.”
Lily with her proud Mother on Graduation Day.
Claudia Pergola, 2020 Graduate
“I chose to study at Patrick’s College Australia as I had previously heard promising outcomes the course offered when compared to the outcome of a university degree.”
“I also liked the fact that during your studies the College’s Careers Advisor is there for students who wish to leave the college with a secured job. This is something that Universities do not always offer, which I believe is a great asset.”
“I was fortunate enough to find a job in the exact field I had hoped for, being an Office Administrator and Reception Assistant for PTW Architects. I am currently loving my job role, the location, and the friendly staff I work amongst. I believe that the skills I was taught at Patrick’s has given me the basis of the appropriate training from which I can now grow from. Without my qualification from this business school, I wouldn’t have this amazing opportunity which I am extremely grateful for.”
“Since Patrick’s I have also continued studying Interior Design; followed by Advanced Interior Design which I will be graduating from at the end of 2021.”
“With the knowledge and training I have received from Patrick’s and the experience working in the firm, I hope to begin my own interior design establishment within the next couple years.”
Emma Sullivan, 2020 Graduate
“Choosing to study at Patrick’s was an easy decision. The syllabus was interesting and centered around practical, industry-standard practices.”
“It was also evident that Patrick’s has highly valued partnerships with prestigious law firms and companies and has a proven high graduate employment success rate.”
“Having to wear corporate business attire and being in the middle of the Sydney CBD, provided a feel for the business life.”
“Patrick’s additional job ready skills such as interview training, preparation of resumes and job application letters, helped me with applying for positions within the final term of College.”
“Within a week of submitting my applications, I was contacted and asked to attend interviews. Offered two employment opportunities, I was thrilled to accept full time employment as a Team Assistant at Ashurst - one of the largest law firms in Australia.”
“Since being at Ashurst, I have met some incredible people and later found out that many of my colleagues had previously graduated from Patrick’s College. Patrick’s graduates are highly regarded and keenly sought!
“I will certainly continue to recommend Patrick’s as a place to study and grow, and to the future graduates… I hope to see some of you around the office!”
Lara O’Donnell, 2020 Graduate
“I chose to study at Patrick’s College Australia for the profound reputation they hold.”
“I found a job through my education and the awesome connections the College has to the big firms in the city, I was fortunate enough to gain employment at the Crown Solicitors Office.”
“The friendships I made at the college, the amazing teachers Dom and Sandra and going on the site visits were what I liked most about the College. I would 100% recommend Patrick’s to a family member or friend.”
Lyndsey Lesslie, 2020 Graduate
“As a mother of three looking to get back into the work force, a diploma to kickstart my journey was a wonderful idea. Busy ‘mum life’ had kept me from exploring it much further, but then a few months later I received a phone call that I had won a full scholarship and had my pick of the courses they offered.”
“My teacher made sure the course material was interesting and always ensured I was on the right path, whether that was understanding the course work or keeping to the submission timeframes. She had valuable insights that went above and beyond the course material, which allowed me to understand the course on a deeper level. She was really the best person I could have asked for when introducing me to the mammoth world that is Social Media Marketing. I will always be grateful to have had such a fantastic teacher at a critical time in my journey.”
“I wouldn’t have gotten the job I have today without Patrick’s! Being in the last months of studying the Diploma, I approached a local media agency in my area and asked for an internship. I wanted to ensure I received hands on experience before graduating. Within a month I was being offered a part time position, which allowed me to still be present with my kids before and after school. Patrick’s helped me get my dream job!”
“I’m still working for the agency in a part time capacity. It allows me to work with some of the most incredible and supportive people in the industry. I’ve also continued to learn and build up more of my skills. I have since started an ‘Introduction to Graphic Design’ course, to assist with my work which I completed in early 2021. The path I’m on was really set by Patrick’s and I’m able to do all of that around my kids and still get to spend valuable time with them. I couldn’t be more blessed.”
“I would 100% recommend Patrick’s in the future. Their teachers are knowledgeable, and the courses are robust and well rounded. The programs they use are easy to navigate, I was able to complete my course both on my laptop and iPad as needed. They are also entirely flexible, I was given an estimated time that it could take up to a year to finish the course, two years if I needed. With encouragement and support from my teacher I was able to complete it in nine months. There’s nowhere better than Patrick’s for me.”
Lyndsey Lesslie was also the successful recipient of the ‘Catherine McAuley Award for Service to the Community’ in 2020. She is pictured here with her well-earned Diploma and Trophy on Graduation Day.
Eva Alsaberi, 2019 Graduate
“I chose to study at Patrick’s College because I believed it would provide me with the knowledge and experience that is required in the business sector. I was also inspired by its thriving history of achievements and perseverance, and high rate of employment positions at big and very well-known firms.”
“I secured an Executive Assistant role at one of the top law firms in the Asia- Pacific region, Gilbert & Tobin. Both the theoretical and practical knowledge I gained at Patrick’s College were required to secure a place in such a big law firm.”
“It is also a real honor for me to hear the Human Resources Recruitment Department at Gilbert & Tobin always praising Patrick’s College and its former graduates on their hard work and perseverance. This makes me proud to have been a Patrick’s student.”
“After gaining a position at Gilbert + Tobin, I rotated into 3 different departments to be able to gain knowledge and understanding on how each one operates, to help me choose what is better for me. After some time, I have now decided to pursue further studies by committing to a Bachelor of Human Resource Management – Psychology. I am looking forward to gaining a position in HR department within the law firm.”
“I made precious memories at Patrick’s College. The teaching system was excellent and well – organized, both in the theoretical and practical sense. The lecturers are flexible, friendly, helpful, and very approachable. I would recommend the College to my family and friends.”
Bianca Burcher, 2018 Graduate
“I chose to study at Patrick’s as I was interested in completing a Diploma and getting a job in a law firm (which ended up being successful!). I now work full – time at Allens.”
“I liked the atmosphere, the friends I made, and my teachers - Dom and Sandra.”
“My sister Mia is currently studying at Patrick’s and I would definitely recommend the College to friends and family in the future.”
Mia Cameron, 2018 Graduate
“I chose to study at Patrick’s as I really did not enjoy my time in high school and I did not want to commit another 3-4 years in university. I knew that by leaving school and entering the “real” world with no experience that I would find it hard to get an office job easily. I knew that by studying a course, this would be extremely valuable to me in finding a job. I chose Patrick’s as my older sister’s friend went to this college and it is highly regarded. I dedicated my first year out of school to my Diploma of Business Administration and I am forever grateful for it.”
“At Patrick’s, I felt heard and respected as a human. I was treated as a person not a number or even a student. Any advice I gave was taken on board which I truly appreciated. And a 4 day week wasn’t too bad! “
“I would just like to highlight that in every job I have had in administration, all of my interviewers have pointed out the importance of my Diploma of Business Administration and were impressed with the modules I learnt.”
“It may sound quite corny, but I really don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for that little college on Pitt Street.”
“Since graduating from Patrick’s, I have travelled, once with one of my closest friends whom I met at the College! I have a wonderful job, and I spend a lot of time with my family. I feel really content with where I am at.
“I have recommended Patrick’s to people, especially to younger girls I know who have also struggled through high school and do not wish to commit even more time to a long education at uni.”
Brooklyn Lucas, 2018 Graduate
"I decided to study at Patrick’s as a family friend had gone there and highly recommended it to me, especially since I was not doing my HSC, I thought it was the best way to get qualified and working in the real world."
"I loved how friendly the lecturers were, very personable and made you feel on the same level as them, I mean that in a way where you can have a conversation and they seemed generally interested in what you had to say. When you ask questions, they are so happy to help. Praise was also given when due."
"The skillset I learnt at Patrick’s was a huge part of the job I started once I had left. I have now moved on from my first full time office role and still the Diploma opens employers eyes and is a major reason I am highly considered for Administrative Assistant roles."
"Since leaving Patrick’s my life has completely changed, and I don’t say that to be cliché, it really has! I’ve moved out of home and had planned to move to London in November of 2020 for work and travel which then came to a halt due to Covid-19."
"I would absolutely recommend Patrick’s to my family and friends! My experience was so amazing and the opportunities that the College offers upon graduation are great and very beneficial. Everything you learn at Patrick’s is very useful and practical in the workplace!"
Ruby Puckeridge, 2017 Graduate
“Patrick’s was recommended to me by family friends. I chose to study at Patrick’s because it has a great reputation from its previous students. It was almost guaranteed to provide me with a job and a great skill set for future endeavours.”
“Patrick’s was one of the most formative years of my life. As a mature aged student (23 at the time), I was more focused than ever. The students were held to a high standard, I learnt impeccable attention to detail, became more disciplined and above all, made great friends.”
“From my education at Patrick’s, I learnt how to operate and work in a corporate environment. I’ve met many EA’s at my firm who all share the Patrick’s bond. I believe our education sets us apart from other candidates on the market.”
“Since graduating from Patrick’s, I worked at global law firm, Ashurst for three years. Initially as a Legal Secretary, then promoted to Practice Executive. I am now working at BHQ Projects as a Business Manager.”
“I would certainly recommend Patrick’s to a family member or friend.”
Alexandra Keough, 2017 Graduate
“During Year 11 and 12 I visited the Careers Advisor to look at my strengths and abilities and considered Personal Assistant and Executive Assistant roles. The Careers Advisor then recommended Patrick’s College. Shortly after I applied and was granted an interview, I was accepted to commence the year after the HSC. I graduated from Patrick’s College in 2017. What I most liked at Patrick’s College was that I had the opportunity to train and meet with likeminded people, the exposure it gave me to the corporate sector, the relevance of our training to what employees wanted, and the fact that it was an intensive 1-year course that assisted us to gain employment.”
“Towards the end of the Diploma, Patrick’s College guided us through the job application process and a number of job opportunities come through for top tier firms. This exposed me to different organisations and gave me the opportunity to apply for relevant roles.”
“At the end of 2017 before graduating from Patrick’s College I was able to secure a Junior Legal Secretary role at Macpherson Kelley and graduated from Patrick’s College on the Saturday and started at Macpherson Kelley on the Monday. Even though it all happened very quickly, I am grateful to have been in that mindset to jump straight into a corporate environment where I was able to use the skills I gained at Patrick’s College. I was in this junior role for a year and then became a Legal Secretary. During my time at Macpherson Kelley I worked in Private Clients and Employment, Safety and Migration and assisted two Principals. In 2020 I secured a position as an Executive Assistant at Gilbert + Tobin and am working in Disputes + Investigations I am currently assisting a group of lawyers and a Special Counsel.”
“I have recommended a few friends to Patrick’s College who were in a similar mindset to myself as it is a great pathway.”
Carly Wallace, 2017 Graduate
“I had a history of family members attending Patrick’s College (who still speak so highly of it till this day!) and they have all been very successful in their careers. I graduated in December 2017.”
“What I liked most about Patrick’s was the Teaching Staff, they all have such a passion for the work they do, and it made coming in everyday so enjoyable. Also, the friends I met at business college will be lifelong friends.
“Towards the end of my Diploma, Patrick’s organised quite a few interviews at top tier firms, and I got great exposure to the business world and how they operate. As a result, I joined Allens-Linklaters in 2018 as a Practice Assistant and on completion of my rotation I became a Practice Assistant to two Partners, five Associates and multiple lawyers (I have been in this role for 3 years now).”
“I was also lucky enough to have the experience to go on secondment to Westpac and I currently operate there as a Senior Board Liaison and Administrator to Directors & Chairman of the Wealth Division (Funds, Insurance, Superannuation). There are so many new skills I learn here every day and it opens my experience and exposure so much more which is great for my career development.”
“I have recommended Patrick’s to family and friends as it is such a great set-up for any person no matter what age and leads to so many possibilities. Good luck to anybody choosing to join the College!”
Emma Hession, 2017 Graduate
“I Chose to study at Patrick's because my mum went when she was younger and enjoyed it so much. She was able to line up a fantastic career and is still there today! Another reason I chose to go to Pat's was because of the good reputation it has and what it has to offer.”
“I loved making new friends & learning new things. We had so much fun! I tend to miss college sometimes.”
“I got offered a Job at Ashurst in 2018, and I am still here today as a Practice Executive.”
“I have recommended Patrick's to a lot of people. I truly believe without Patrick's I would have not landed the job I have today.”
Rachael Soden, 2017 Graduate
“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I left school so after hearing how other girls from my high school in previous years had graduated from Patrick’s and their outcomes, I knew it would be a great course to do and I really enjoyed it!”
“I enjoyed everything I learnt as it is everyday information that you would need in an office job and it helps me to this day in my job and I am sure it will in the future too.”
“I also liked that we got interview opportunities for jobs, when we finished our course, and met new friends.”
“I found a job as a Junior Legal Assistant at a law firm called McCullough Robertson Lawyers. I started off working for one of the legal assistants, I then got promoted to a Legal Assistant, and now I work for my own lawyers and partners across three teams.”
“If you are unsure what you want to do or be when you graduate from high school or even would like to study something to do with business administration, I would highly recommend the course. You learn a lot that will help you with all sorts of office jobs in any area you wish to work in and is a great experience. It is also a great opportunity to meet new people you could be working with too!.”