Sociology student profiles at Murdoch University

Student profile

We’re proud to have sociology graduates who are working to make a difference all over the world.

Find out how Murdoch Sociology graduate, Deng Koch, found his way to be working with the Association of Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors.

Deng's story

I was 27 when I decided to study full- time at Murdoch for three semesters from 2005 and 2006. It was my second degree and so I was given some credit points from my previous studies at Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory. I chose to study Sociology at Murdoch to have a better understanding of society and its issues. My degree has played an influential role in me finding the job that I love - simply because the work requires a greater cross-cultural understanding and being a certified Sociologist means I meet the pre-requisites of the job.

Although I didn’t spent most of my time on the Campus, Murdoch University is an ideal place for relaxation and studies. I liked my lecturers. Their style of lecturing and how they relate to the students was great!

I see myself as a Sociologist. I now have an appreciation surrounding the dynamics of society and my studies at Murdoch, combined with the long experience that I have in working within the community development sector, has reinforced me a great deal.

I am proud of my current contribution in dealing with issues that are of concern to the Australian society; particularly issues regarding resettlement of migrant and refugee communities and their young people. I am not only playing a role at the Western Australian state level, but at a national level as I regularly travel interstates for conferences and workshops.

When I graduated, I worked as the Youth Services Coordinator with the Australian Asian Association. After that, I was recruited as a Field worker with the Department of Child Protection. I now work with the Association of Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors. I work with young people from the culturally and linguistically diverse communities in a variety of areas including early intervention strategies to prevent homelessness. I am also a member of the African Planning Committee on Domestic Violence and Being Advisor to the Department of Child Protection in Mirrabooka.