Kara Tighe has just graduated from a PhD in agricultural economics. Throughout her study, she has also juggled casual work, and two children – welcoming her third child, a daughter, just 2 months before her graduation. Kara is a wonderful example of what is possible with UNE’s flexible study.

I started my undergraduate journey at Sydney University and after the first semester a major injury (broken neck) left me unable to work and pay my way. I needed to find a university where I could survive on youth allowance alone until I was fit enough to work again. UNE allowed for that and at the same time, UNE allowed me to enrol in a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics and Diploma of Modern Languages (Japanese) concurrently. I graduated with both the degree and diploma in 2004. I spent some further study time on a scholarship in Japan, and when I returned to Australia I spent some time working for the Productivity Commission and Meat and Livestock Australia. During my time as a Senior Market Analyst at Meat and Livestock Australia, I realised there were a lot of unanswered questions around how consumers are influenced by price and other factors, like animal welfare when making their purchasing decisions. Eventually I applied to undertake a PhD in this area. By then, my husband and I had moved back to Armidale (he is an academic at UNE), and given UNE’s reputation in agricultural economics, this was the obvious place to pursue my PhD.

I have three children. I was pregnant with two of them during my PhD (one born 8 weeks ago), so have spent the time juggling study with casual work and family duties. The support I received throughout from my supervisors and administration staff at the University was key to my finishing.

I also received a scholarship from the Sheep CRC, which helped a great deal. I spent some time in the USA working with some world leaders in my field, which was only possible due to the links my supervisors had already established. I also had the opportunity to compete in the Business School 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, in which I came first, before taking third place in the UNE level of the competition.

For me, graduation means validation and vindication! With sick leave, maternity leave and part time study due to family and work commitments, my PhD was spread across 6 years. But I finished, and I am the first in my family to have an undergraduate and now a postgraduate degree.

My plans after graduation are firstly to celebrate. Then spend some time enjoying our new daughter, and completing the last few papers from my PhD. Then I will be looking for another research project. Ideally this would be at UNE, in what we now consider our home town.