When Charlotte Sangster was first interviewed for her PSMP scholarship application in 2015, she hoped the program would help her to pursue her dream. Two years later, while celebrating International Women’s Day, Charlotte shared how the program has helped to project her career forward. One constant since 2015 has been Charlotte’s total commitment to have an impact and to make a difference in peoples’ lives.
When we caught up with Charlotte recently, we asked her to reflect on her journey and share her insights…
“It’s hard to believe that it has been 6 years since I first interviewed for the PSMP scholarship!
I’ve been reflecting lately on how much of an impact this scholarship has had on my life and my ability to create the vision I had for my future, my career, and my community.
Being awarded the NGO Women’s Scholarship gave me the confidence I needed to keep moving towards my goal of one day being the CEO of an amazing Not-For-Profit.
Knowing that someone else saw the potential in me that I knew was there, but had yet to fully harness was a great feeling.
I hadn’t been to uni before I completed the PSMP, so I had no idea what to expect from the program or post-graduate study. I can tell you it was the best experience I could have hoped for.
What remains a stand out for me was the ongoing connection to a single cohort of students completing the program. I was able to develop meaningful connections with the other students throughout the study period and create a network of professionals that I know I can go to for advice any time, even years after graduation!
I’m pleased to say that I’m still in my role at Muscular Dystrophy NSW, and with a significant change in title from GM to CEO. GOAL ACHIEVED!!!
The PSMP helped to prepare me for this complex and demanding role which deals with all facets of the organisation.
I am particularly passionate about creating partners, not competitors. We are better together and the PSMP has given me knowledge and tools that I now use to better manage the complexities of leading multiple stakeholders (including community, government, like-minded organisations, and the corporate sector) to work together to achieve positive outcomes for our community and make a much bigger impact than we could alone.
I’m very grateful for this and for the support of my mentors and alumni from QUT.
If I could give one piece of advice to someone completing or recently graduated from the program it would be to make sure your current/future employers know what you have achieved through the PSMP and what your goals are.
Showing your commitment to further education and community development is a quality that is highly desirable for many employers, especially those in the for-purpose sector!
So don’t be shy to talk about what your goals are and what you are trying to achieve.
Even if you think your goals are too big right now or you aren’t sure if you can achieve them. Even if someone tries to tell you that you can’t do it… Please keep going!
I am a living example of what can be achieved once you set your mind to something.
Believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who believe in you too!”
Learn more about current PSMP Scholarship opportunities.
