Profile of Dr. Isla Carboon
Q. What is your current role?
A. My current role is as a Senior Research Officer with Victoria Police. It is an incredibly varied role in a large and very dynamic organisation. I undertake research for the senior command of police on a wide range of topics – social, criminological, economic, psychological - as well as assist others, both internal staff and external researchers, who are undertaking research with us.
Q. What did you study at the University?
A. I feel very lucky to have done my PhD at Melbourne because the University encouraged its graduate students to extend themselves beyond the necessities of completing a thesis. The then School of Graduate Studies (now School of Graduate Research) shepherded students into their future careers by offering opportunities to develop some fundamental professional skills. I had some wonderful training at a fraction of the cost had I done it externally.
I was also lucky enough to be awarded a travel scholarship which meant I could work on my PhD in New York City – where two of the most prestigious research centers in my study area, psycho-oncology, are located. Being able to present my research there and get input from some of the world’s best was a huge buzz. It also affirmed that the quality of research training I was receiving at Melbourne held me in very good stead as a junior researcher in the international arena. These experiences motivated me to move out of my comfort zone and explore diverse career opportunities.
Q. What have you done since completing your degree?
A. I was very keen to flex my research muscles outside the realm of academic psychology after finishing my PhD. I spent some time with a market research firm but realised fairly quickly it wasn’t for me. I’d often thought I’d end up in the public sector, so when I saw the position with Victoria Police I jumped at it.
It is a fascinating organisation to work in, because new issues arise all the time and police have to respond swiftly. Policing, like any other practice, draws on research evidence to inform decision-making. Being able to contribute useful research to help police deal with law enforcement challenges as effectively as possible is very satisfying.
Q. In what ways did studying at Melbourne help you to get where you are?
A. Aside from the brilliant research training I got at Melbourne, the most valuable lesson I learned was about the value of networks. It’s very easy to get self-focused during undergrad because it’s very competitive for psychology then if you make it into a PhD it can be isolating experience particularly if you’re based off campus. So you’re at risk of not learning how to develop networks, which are a key to success once you get out into the workforce. Luckily my school (Behavioural Science) recognised this and encouraged student innovations to build collegiate networks.
The School supported colloquia, workshops and a weekly newsletter (which I edited during my candidature) for graduate students and these became avenues for knowledge sharing and mutual support. They were also perfect for building up social connections for newer students and we spent many a happy Friday evening under the tree at the Graduate Centre.
Q. What is your strongest memory of your time at the University?
A. It was most definitely graduation and that was because the completion of my PhD was the end of a very long haul. I'd left school was I was 16 because I'd lost interest and was barely passing. However, when I was 26 I decided I wanted to study psychology, so I did Year 12 at night and got into a Bachelors degree. I studied part-time and worked to support myself. There were a few unexpected hurdles in that time and it wasn't easy.
The graduation ceremony with all its ritual, was a such a beautiful way to mark the end of a long journey. I have a photo of (then Chancellor) Ian Renard presenting me with my testamur and I have this enormous grin plastered on my face. That grin was there for the whole ceremony (indispersed with a few bouts of very happy tears!).