Tachiana De Nobrega
Health and Safety Coordinator, Southbase Construction
Bachelor of Health Science in Health Management
She always knew she wanted to work in the health sector, but also wanted a degree that provided flexibility and opened multiple career pathways, says Tachiana De Nobrega.
“What appealed to me about health management was that it’s broad enough to allow you to discover which area of health you’re most passionate about. It develops skills in leadership, communication, management, quality improvement and problem solving, which are all transferable across many industries and roles. The programme included a range of practical experiences, including group projects, presentations, case studies and workplace experience. Working in groups taught me how to collaborate with people who had different perspectives and strengths, which mirrors what happens in the workplace. The workplace experience component was particularly valuable because it provided exposure to industry and enabled me to experience how health systems and organisations operate.
“One of the biggest highlights of my time at AUT was meeting people from different backgrounds, age groups and stages of life. It was interesting being able to sit around the same table and learn from one another's experiences. Everyone brought something different to discussions, which made the learning environment unique. Another highlight was simply experiencing university life on campus. I had always imagined having that ‘university experience’, and being part of the AUT community made that a reality.”
Throughout her studies, there were a few staff who had a particular impact on her experience.
“Lynda Guildford was incredibly supportive throughout my journey at AUT. From helping me map out my courses to supporting students through challenging periods, she consistently made herself available and always approached situations with understanding and practical advice. There were times when our cohort experienced difficulties with one particular course, and she worked closely with us to find solutions and ensure we were supported. Knowing that there were lecturers who genuinely cared about student success made a huge difference. I also found the Student Hub and the academic support services helpful. AUT creates an environment where students are encouraged to ask questions and seek guidance, which made navigating university life much easier.”
Keeping construction environments safe
After graduating from AUT in 2025, Tachiana now enjoys her role as a health and safety coordinator for Southbase Construction.
“What I enjoy most about my role is being able to help people go home safely at the end of every day. Construction environments are constantly changing, and every day presents different challenges. I enjoy working with site teams, finding practical solutions and helping create a positive safety culture. Health and safety is ultimately about people. It’s rewarding knowing that the work we do contributes to protecting workers, improving processes and creating safer workplaces. Building relationships with teams and supporting them rather than simply enforcing rules is something I particularly enjoy.”
She says her time at AUT prepared her for much more than she expected.
“Beyond the technical knowledge, it developed skills in communication, organisation, critical thinking and understanding human behaviour. Working with different personalities, managing priorities and solving problems are all things I use daily in my role. I also learned how important adaptability and teamwork are. Many of the skills developed throughout my degree are transferable and have been valuable in ways I didn’t fully appreciate at the time.”
Advice for other students
Don't feel like you need to have your entire future mapped out before you start, Tachiana advises other students.
“Don’t feel pressured to have everything figured out from day one. University is a time to learn, grow and discover what interests you. Take advantage of placements, group projects and networking opportunities, and don't be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance. Sometimes the best opportunities come from being open-minded and willing to take a different path than the one you originally planned.
“My biggest advice is to make use of the support available to you. Attend open days, ask questions, and don't be afraid to reach out to the Student Hub or lecturers. They’re there to help and can often provide guidance or options you may not have considered. It's much better to ask questions and understand your pathway than to simply enrol and hope for the best. I'd also encourage students to get involved, meet new people and embrace the university experience. Some of the best parts of university are the friendships you make and the different perspectives you gain from those around you.”
She also has some guidance for those interested in a career in health and safety.
“Health and safety is about understanding people, identifying risks, thinking on your feet, and helping others find safer and better ways of working. It’s a rewarding career with strong opportunities, and there will always be a need for people who are passionate about keeping others safe. Some people ask me whether I specifically studied health and safety, and the answer is no. I started out as a health and safety administrator, where I was responsible for booking training, ordering PPE and supporting the wider team. This gave me valuable hands-on experience and enabled me to learn from those around me. After my first year in the industry, I completed a health and safety certificate to further develop my knowledge. Through a combination of practical experience, formal training and a willingness to keep learning, I’ve been able to grow my career in the field.”
