Send us Fan Mail

What does it really take to become a dentist and what is changing behind the scenes of modern dental practice?

In this episode, we explore the journey of Dr Scott Santarossa, a dentist working in a field where precision, patient care and evolving technology all play a critical role.

Scott shares how early setbacks and persistence led him into a highly competitive field, where his work now combines technical precision, problem solving and strong communication skills.

We unpack what dentistry really looks like day-to-day, along with how AI and digital technologies are beginning to shape diagnostics, treatment and patient experience.

Scott also shares how learning Auslan has strengthened his communication and connection with patients, highlighting the importance of human skills in a technology-driven field.

In this episode:

•  Scott’s career journey and pathway into dentistry 
•  What a typical day as a dentist actually looks like 
•  How AI is being used in dental clinics today 
•  The role of digital dentistry in improving patient experience 
•  Skills and qualities needed for a career in dentistry or healthcare 
•  Why communication, empathy and trust are essential 

Episode Breakdown:

01:50 - Scott’s early interest in dentistry and what sparked it
 07:30 - A day in the life of a dentist
 10:40 - How AI is currently being used in practice
 14:00 - Digital dentistry and CAD CAM technology
 22:50 - Patient expectations and communication
 32:40 - Auslan and communication in practice
 33:10 - Could a robot do this job?
 45:30 - Final advice for students

Resources & Links:

• https://teeth.org.au/smiling-signs
• https://www.bitemagazine.com.au/smiling-signs-for-deaf-australians/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottsantarossa/ 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi, I'm Nadia – Career Practitioner, Educator and Founder of B U Careers Academy.
It’s my mission to simplify career advice and help make decision-making a more positive, enjoyable experience for young people.
Got feedback or a guest idea? I’d love to hear from you, email [email protected]

Let's Connect 🖇️
Follow me on YouTube for tips, updates and career insights or to connect on socials, you can find me on; Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or TikTok. 

For more information about my Career programs for both schools and individuals and or private counselling, go to: https://bucareers.academy/.

🙋🏽 Want more career tips and tools? 🙋🏼‍♀️
 Join the free quarterly newsletter for practical advice, updates and resources that support young people and their families.

Join the Career PlayBook Quarterly  HERE.  🙌

Send us Fan Mail

Bonus Deep Dive - Data Storytelling in Action: From Research to Real-World Impact

A deeper dive into Zoe’s PhD on data storytelling for complex, real-world challenges, and her work on the Benchmark NSW project.

In this bonus episode, Zoe Eather delves into her PhD research and the innovative Benchmark NSW project. Discover how data storytelling and community-focused design are transforming public spaces and decision-making processes.

Key topics covered:

• Zoe’s PhD focus on data storytelling and its role in community engagement
• The Benchmark NSW project: enhancing public space safety and social interaction
• Ethical storytelling and decision-making in urban planning
• The impact of data-driven solutions on community well-being
• Insights into the collaboration with MIT and the University of New South Wales
• Practical applications of data storytelling in addressing complex societal issues

Resources & Links:

• Benchmark New South Wales Project 
• MIT Civic Data Design Lab - Benchmark NSW Project
• American Planning Assoc.: https://planning.org/planning/2026/feb/what-happens-when-women-design-for-women-researchers-found-out/ 

Connect with Zoe:

• LinkedIn - Zoe Eather

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi, I'm Nadia – Career Practitioner, Educator and Founder of B U Careers Academy.
It’s my mission to simplify career advice and help make decision-making a more positive, enjoyable experience for young people.
Got feedback or a guest idea? I’d love to hear from you, email [email protected]

Let's Connect 🖇️
Follow me on YouTube for tips, updates and career insights or to connect on socials, you can find me on; Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or TikTok. 

For more information about my Career programs for both schools and individuals and or private counselling, go to: https://bucareers.academy/.

🙋🏽 Want more career tips and tools? 🙋🏼‍♀️
 Join the free quarterly newsletter for practical advice, updates and resources that support young people and their families.

Join the Career PlayBook Quarterly  HERE.  🙌

Send us Fan Mail

What does engineering look like in a world shaped by AI, data and technology?

In this episode, we explore the journey of Zoe Eather, an engineer now working at the intersection of technology, data and communities.

Zoe shares how her work is helping shape the places we live, work and connect, and how data storytelling, emerging technologies and innovative projects are influencing more liveable, accessible and sustainable communities.

In this episode:

• Zoe’s career evolution from civil engineering into emerging, interdisciplinary work shaping communities
• The importance of shifting focus from technology to people in smart communities
• How data storytelling and visualisations impact decision-making and community engagement
• Emerging roles and skills for future careers in smart cities, AI, and data analysis
• Ethical considerations and risks associated with AI and automation in community development
• The significance of human skills like relationships, creativity, and empathy in a tech-driven future
• Practical advice for students and early career professionals on embracing uncertainty and interdisciplinary skills

Episode Breakdown:

01:30 - Welcome and Zoe's career journey from engineering to smart city advocate

03:39 - Zoe’s international experience with South Korea’s smart city innovations

05:33 - The rise of autonomous and connected vehicles in urban planning

09:24 - Defining a smart community: starting with people, not just technology

10:36 - The role of data and storytelling in community engagement and decision-making

15:38 - The importance of diverse skills, including data analysis, communication, and human-centred design

18:28 - Challenges and ethical considerations in AI deployment for community projects

21:30 - Future skills for students: embracing creativity, interdisciplinary thinking, and uncertainty

28:45 - The impact of automation and AI on jobs and how to stay relevant

30:09 - The balance between human connection and AI assistance in daily work and community life

33:39 - Zoe’s thoughts on digital detox and staying human in an AI-enhanced world

Resources & Links:

• The Smart Community Podcast
• Zoe’s Website: https://zoeeather.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoemayeather/ 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi, I'm Nadia – Career Practitioner, Educator and Founder of B U Careers Academy.
It’s my mission to simplify career advice and help make decision-making a more positive, enjoyable experience for young people.
Got feedback or a guest idea? I’d love to hear from you, email [email protected]

Let's Connect 🖇️
Follow me on YouTube for tips, updates and career insights or to connect on socials, you can find me on; Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or TikTok. 

For more information about my Career programs for both schools and individuals and or private counselling, go to: https://bucareers.academy/.

🙋🏽 Want more career tips and tools? 🙋🏼‍♀️
 Join the free quarterly newsletter for practical advice, updates and resources that support young people and their families.

Join the Career PlayBook Quarterly  HERE.  🙌

Send a text

From Interior Architecture to MedTech: Designing a More Inclusive Future with Paris Triantis

What does a career look like when creativity, technology and purpose collide?

In this episode of Careers in the Age of AI, we explore how one creative pathway unexpectedly led into the world of medtech, inclusive design and emerging technologies.

Paris began her journey studying interior architecture, initially planning to become a registered architect. But an honours experience working with physicists at CERN in Geneva shifted everything. Suddenly, design was not just about buildings - it was about solving complex human problems through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Today, Paris works at MedTech Victoria at Swinburne, where she collaborates with researchers, designers, engineers and people with lived experience to develop solutions that improve accessibility, healthcare and assistive technologies.

In this conversation, we explore how AI, virtual reality and emerging technologies are shaping the future of design - and why human-centred thinking is becoming more important, not less.

For students trying to work out what comes next, this episode is a powerful reminder that careers rarely follow a straight line, and sometimes the most meaningful opportunities appear where disciplines intersect.

In this episode we explore:

 • Why careers rarely follow a predictable path
 • How an honours project at CERN completely changed Paris’s career direction
 • What inclusive design and co-design really mean in practice
 • How AI, smart homes and emerging technologies are transforming accessibility
 • The growing role of VR in healthcare and rehabilitation
 • Why AI still cannot replace human connection in health and disability sectors
 • How students can shape their degree to align with their interests
 • The importance of work experience, curiosity and trial and error
 • Why adaptability and communication are becoming essential career skills

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi, I'm Nadia – Career Practitioner, Educator and Founder of B U Careers Academy.
It’s my mission to simplify career advice and help make decision-making a more positive, enjoyable experience for young people.
Got feedback or a guest idea? I’d love to hear from you, email [email protected]

Let's Connect 🖇️
Follow me on YouTube for tips, updates and career insights or to connect on socials, you can find me on; Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or TikTok.

For more information about my Career programs for both schools and individuals and or private counselling, go to: https://bucareers.academy/.

🙋🏽 Want more career tips and tools? 🙋🏼‍♀️
Join the free quarterly newsletter for practical advice, updates and resources that support young people and their families.

Join the Career PlayBook Quarterly HERE. 🙌

Send us Fan Mail

The future of work is shifting rapidly, so what does that mean for students making career decisions today?

This episode launches a new series exploring how AI is transforming industries and how students can best prepare.

Welcome to The Next Gen Career Playbook: Careers in the Age of AI

As technology, AI, and the world of work evolve rapidly, this series explores how industries are changing and what that means for the next generation entering education and employment.

Across the coming episodes, conversations with industry professionals will unpack the realities behind the headlines. Looking at how roles are evolving, the skills that will remain valuable, and how students can prepare for a future that is still unfolding.

This series was initially developed as an industry collaboration with students from Swinburne University of Technology. A big thank you to Jarrod and Favour, who helped research potential guests and get the project rolling.

In this episode:

• Why the podcast has evolved into The Next Gen Career Playbook
• Why conversations about AI and careers matter right now
• The questions students, parents and educators are asking about the future of work
• What listeners can expect from the upcoming series

What’s coming in this series

Future episodes will feature conversations with guests from a range of industries exploring:

 • How AI is affecting different roles and sectors
 • Skills likely to grow in importance in the coming decade
 • Opportunities emerging for young people entering the workforce
 • Practical advice for students navigating study and career decisions

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi, I'm Nadia – Career Practitioner, Educator and Founder of B U Careers Academy.
It’s my mission to simplify career advice and help make decision-making a more positive, enjoyable experience for young people.
Got feedback or a guest idea? I’d love to hear from you, email [email protected]

Let's Connect 🖇️
Follow me on YouTube for tips, updates and career insights or to connect on socials, you can find me on; Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or TikTok. 

For more information about my Career programs for both schools and individuals and or private counselling, go to: https://bucareers.academy/.

🙋🏽 Want more career tips and tools? 🙋🏼‍♀️
 Join the free quarterly newsletter for practical advice, updates and resources that support young people and their families.

Join the Career PlayBook Quarterly  HERE.  🙌

Send us Fan Mail

In today's episode, we're joined by Abbey Harford, a recent graduate who embarked on an exciting Gap year experience. Abbey, a 19-year-old from Melbourne, shares her journey of joining the Royal Australian Navy through the ADF GAP Year program.

1. Introduction and Overview:
- Discover her motivations for applying and the emotions involved in leaving her familiar environment for this new adventure.

2. Challenges and Growth:
- Abbey reflects on the challenges she faced during her Navy GAP Year and discusses how she overcame them.
- Gain insights into her personal growth and development throughout the program.

3. Memorable Experiences:
- Abbey shares one or two standout moments from her time in the Royal Australian Navy GAP Year that left a lasting impression on her.

4. Insights into Application Process:
- Learn more about the application and recruitment process for the Royal Australian Navy GAP Year from Abbey's perspective.
- Discover the key steps involved and any surprises or challenges encountered along the way.

5. Future Considerations:
- Considering her positive experience, Abbey discusses her thoughts on potentially returning to a career with the ADF or the Royal Australian Navy in the future.

6. Family Reactions and Support:
- Abbey reflects on her family's initial reactions to her decision to participate in the Navy GAP Year and how their opinions evolved over time.

7. Current Reflection:
- Abbey shares her biggest takeaways from the experience in terms of skill and personal development.
- Hear her thoughts on transitioning to tertiary studies and the impact her Navy Gap  Year had on her personal and professional perspectives.

8. Advice to Others:
- Abbey offers advice to students considering applying for the ADF GAP Year, especially those who may be hesitant or unsure about taking this path.

Below are some useful links if you are interested or just curious about an ADF Gap Year experience.

If you are interested in other services ensure you listen to previous episodes where we spoke with participants in the Army and Airforce services.

ADF GAP-YEAR: https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/students-and-education/gap-year

NAVY GAP-YEAR: https://navy.adfcareers.gov.a

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi, I'm Nadia – Career Practitioner, Educator and Founder of B U Careers Academy.
It’s my mission to simplify career advice and help make decision-making a more positive, enjoyable experience for young people.
Got feedback or a guest idea? I’d love to hear from you, email [email protected]

Let's Connect 🖇️
Follow me on YouTube for tips, updates and career insights or to connect on socials, you can find me on; Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or TikTok. 

For more information about my Career programs for both schools and individuals and or private counselling, go to: https://bucareers.academy/.

🙋🏽 Want more career tips and tools? 🙋🏼‍♀️
 Join the free quarterly newsletter for practical advice, updates and resources that support young people and their families.

Join the Career PlayBook Quarterly  HERE.  🙌

Send us Fan Mail

In today's episode, we continue our exploration of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap Year Program, this time focusing on Carmen's experience in the Australian Army.

This episode we speak with Carmen Stock, a 19-year-old Driver Specialist from Ballina, NSW. Carmen shares her journey from participating in the Australian Army Gap Year Program to her experiences in basic training and beyond.

Key Highlights

1. Applying and Basic Training:
   • Carmen discusses her motivations for applying to the Australian Army Gap Year program and shares insights into her basic training experience at Kapooka. She reflects on standout moments and lessons learned during this initial training phase.
2. Specialisation as a Driver Specialist:
   • Carmen explains how she decided to become a Driver Specialist and describes the training process to acquire the necessary skills for this role. She shares her perspective on the qualities that make someone well-suited for a role like hers in the Army.
3. Postings and Daily Life:
   • Carmen provides insights into her experience and daily life at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville since being posted there. She sheds light on the responsibilities and activities of a Driver Specialist in the Army.
4. Extension and Future Plans:
   • Carmen talks about her decision to extend her commitment beyond the initial Gap Year and shares her future plans within the Australian Army.
5. Insights into Application Process:
   • Carmen shares details about the application and recruitment process for the Australian Army Gap Year, particularly as someone who chose to become a Driver Specialist. She discusses any unexpected aspects or challenges encountered during this process.
6. Family Reactions and Support:
   • Carmen reflects on her family's reaction when she enlisted in the Army Gap Year and discusses how their support has influenced her experience. 
7. Current Reflection:
   • Carmen reflects on her Gap Year journey and its impact on her future plans. She discusses the biggest takeaways in terms of skills and personal development.
8. Advice to Others:
   • Carmen offers advice to students considering applying for the ADF Gap Year, especially those interested in roles within the Australian Army. She highlights specific qualities or considerations they should keep in mind

Don't miss out on

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi, I'm Nadia – Career Practitioner, Educator and Founder of B U Careers Academy.
It’s my mission to simplify career advice and help make decision-making a more positive, enjoyable experience for young people.
Got feedback or a guest idea? I’d love to hear from you, email [email protected]

Let's Connect 🖇️
Follow me on YouTube for tips, updates and career insights or to connect on socials, you can find me on; Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or TikTok. 

For more information about my Career programs for both schools and individuals and or private counselling, go to: https://bucareers.academy/.

🙋🏽 Want more career tips and tools? 🙋🏼‍♀️
 Join the free quarterly newsletter for practical advice, updates and resources that support young people and their families.

Join the Career PlayBook Quarterly  HERE.  🙌

Send us Fan Mail

In today's episode, we're joined by Olivia Mulvany, a recent graduate who embarked on an exciting journey with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap Year Program in the Airforce.

Olivia shares her story, from graduating high school in Adelaide to enlisting in the ADF Gap Year Program and transitioning into a permanent role as an Aviation Support Technician with the Royal Australian Air Force.

Key Highlights

1. Choosing a Role :
   • Olivia discusses her motivations for participating in the ADF Gap Year Program and specifically choosing the Royal Australian Air Force. She shares her insights into the Aviation Support Technical role.
2. Insights into Application Process:
   • Olivia provides details about the application and recruitment process for the ADF Gap Year.
3. Travel and Experiences:
   • Olivia recounts her travels to various locations during her ADF Gap Year, including Sydney, Canberra, Fiji, and NT. She shares memorable experiences and highlights from her time in different locations.
4. Transition to Permanent Service:
   • Olivia reflects on her decision to transition into a permanent role as an ARMTECH with the Royal Australian Air Force. She discusses the factors and experiences that influenced her decision and the skills she gained during her Gap Year.
5. Family Reactions and Opinions:
   • Olivia shares how her family reacted to her decision to participate in the Air Force Gap Year and how their views on her military career have evolved over time.
6. Current Reflection:
   • Olivia reflects on her personal and skill development during her ADF Gap Year and the lasting impressions it has left on her as she moves forward in her permanent role with the Air Force.
7. Advice to Others:
   • Olivia offers advice to students contemplating applying for the ADF Gap Year, especially those interested in roles within the Royal Australian Air Force, based on her own experiences and insights.

Whether you are interested in the ADF or not Olivia's positive attitude and approach can serve as a great lesson. Her story serves as a testament to the opportunities and growth that await those who choose to take on new challenges and opportunities when they present or in Olivia's case to create those opportunities in the first place!

Don't forget to tune in to the next episode as we continue to explore different pers

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi, I'm Nadia – Career Practitioner, Educator and Founder of B U Careers Academy.
It’s my mission to simplify career advice and help make decision-making a more positive, enjoyable experience for young people.
Got feedback or a guest idea? I’d love to hear from you, email [email protected]

Let's Connect 🖇️
Follow me on YouTube for tips, updates and career insights or to connect on socials, you can find me on; Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or TikTok. 

For more information about my Career programs for both schools and individuals and or private counselling, go to: https://bucareers.academy/.

🙋🏽 Want more career tips and tools? 🙋🏼‍♀️
 Join the free quarterly newsletter for practical advice, updates and resources that support young people and their families.

Join the Career PlayBook Quarterly  HERE.  🙌

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to our podcast episode dedicated to exploring the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap Year Program. In this episode, we dive into the details of this unique opportunity for young individuals seeking to gain valuable experience. Our guest today is SGT Alexander Smith, Military Recruiter and Cavalry Commander who will provide us with insights into the application process, available roles, travel experiences, misconceptions, and advice for potential applicants.

Key Highlights:

• Introduction to ADF GAP Year:
  Alex shares his role at the ADF and introduces us to the ADF Gap Year program, highlighting its distinctive features and the benefits it offers to participants.
• Application and Selection Process:
  Learn about the application and selection process for the ADF Gap Year, including the criteria considered and unique aspects applicants should be aware of.
• Roles and Specialisations:
  Explore the various roles and specialisations available within the ADF Gap Year program and how participants can tailor their experience to match their interests and career goals.
• Travel and $$$:
  Discover the exciting travel opportunities and experiences offered as part of the ADF Gap Year program, along with details about the unique aspect of the program where participants are paid for their experience!
• Advice to Potential Applicants:
  Gain valuable advice from Alex for students considering applying for the ADF Gap Year, including insights to help them make informed decisions and make the most of their experience.

Below are some useful links if you are interested or just curious about an ADF Gap Year experience. Stay tuned for more episodes where we continue to delve into various ADF Gap year opportunities where we will hear from participants from the Army, Navy and Airforce GAP year programs. 

ADF GAP-YEAR: https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/students-and-education/gap-year

NAVY GAP-YEAR: https://navy.adfcareers.gov.au/students-and-education/gap-year

ARMY GAP-YEAR: https://army.adfcareers.gov.au/students-and-education/gap-year

AIR FORCE GAP-YEAR: https://airforce.adfcareers.gov.au/studen

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi, I'm Nadia – Career Practitioner, Educator and Founder of B U Careers Academy.
It’s my mission to simplify career advice and help make decision-making a more positive, enjoyable experience for young people.
Got feedback or a guest idea? I’d love to hear from you, email [email protected]

Let's Connect 🖇️
Follow me on YouTube for tips, updates and career insights or to connect on socials, you can find me on; Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or TikTok. 

For more information about my Career programs for both schools and individuals and or private counselling, go to: https://bucareers.academy/.

🙋🏽 Want more career tips and tools? 🙋🏼‍♀️
 Join the free quarterly newsletter for practical advice, updates and resources that support young people and their families.

Join the Career PlayBook Quarterly  HERE.  🙌

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode join us for an intimate conversation with Kayla Evans, where we explore the human side of her remarkable career journey. We dive deep into her past, her triumphs, challenges, and the valuable lessons she has learned along the way.

What to Expect:

Childhood Visions and First Jobs: Kayla reveals her early visions of the future, her first job experiences, and the pivotal moments that shaped her perspective on work and life.

Embracing Mistakes and Challenges: Listen as Kayla shares a candid story of a workplace mishap. Discover the lessons learned and how she navigated through adversity.

Finding Joy and Personal Values: Explore the sources of joy in Kayla's daily life and the values that guide her both personally and professionally. Learn how she incorporates these values into her career choices and decisions.

Navigating Unfamiliar Waters: Kayla opens up about a time when she felt out of her depth, offering insights into overcoming self-doubt and turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

Proud Moments and Career Genie Wishes: Hear about Kayla's proudest achievements and her dreams if there were no limitations. Discover the passion that fuels her aspirations and the impact she envisions making on the world.

Career Advice to Teenage Self: Kayla reflects on her journey and imparts valuable advice to her teenage self, sharing wisdom that resonates with young listeners embarking on their own career paths.

Join us for this insightful episode as we uncover the personal journey of Kayla Evans. Whether you're a student, parent or educator, this episode reminds us that our careers are essential components of our unique life journeys.

Career resources discussed in the episode:
AgCareerStart Gap Year program:  https://agcareerstart.com.au/
> Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agcareerstart/
Generation Ag (Podcast): https://www.generationag.com.au/
> Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/generation.ag/
Career Harvest: https://www.careerharvest.com.au/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi, I'm Nadia – Career Practitioner, Educator and Founder of B U Careers Academy.
It’s my mission to simplify career advice and help make decision-making a more positive, enjoyable experience for young people.
Got feedback or a guest idea? I’d love to hear from you, email [email protected]

Let's Connect 🖇️
Follow me on YouTube for tips, updates and career insights or to connect on socials, you can find me on; Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or TikTok. 

For more information about my Career programs for both schools and individuals and or private counselling, go to: https://bucareers.academy/.

🙋🏽 Want more career tips and tools? 🙋🏼‍♀️
 Join the free quarterly newsletter for practical advice, updates and resources that support young people and their families.

Join the Career PlayBook Quarterly  HERE.  🙌