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As one of UWA’s Events Officers in Future Students (part of Brand, Marketing and Recruitment), Rilana Ostheim has a keen eye for detail and knows what it takes to get things done.  She’s part of the team dedicated to showcasing the best of what UWA has to offer with successful events such as Open Day and the Career Advisers’ Breakfast.

However when she’s not working hard to bring the UWA experience to life, you’ll find Rilana’s time and dedication are devoted to something quite different – her Navy Reservist training.

“One of my old managers was in the Army Reserve so hearing about her training and professional development opportunities sparked my interest,” says Rilana.

“So initially I looked into the Army Reserve, but there were almost too many opportunities to choose from and the time commitment would have been too much to juggle with a full-time job.”

Undeterred and after some further investigation, Rilana found an opportunity that was exactly what she was looking for.

“As a Public Relations Officer in the Navy Reserves I’m able to use the skills and experience I’ve gained throughout my career in a new, challenging context,” she says.

“I had to go through an extensive selection process which took over 18 months but it was well worth it, and on 11 May I was recognised as a trainee Officer in the Navy Reserves.”

To prepare for time at sea Rilana must complete the Reserve Entry Officers Course which consists of four phases.

“It is a mix of residential training at Jervois Bay, seven distance learning units and two weeks at sea. You get two years to complete it. Some finish it all within three months, I hope to complete it by early next year,” she says.

“I’m most looking forward to the development opportunities the Reserves will provide me, especially in regards to leadership. It’s really going to broaden the spectrum of my skills.”

Rilana has completed phase one of the training and is now working her way through the study units at home in her spare time.

Not that there is much of that as back on campus she’s busy preparing for UWA's upcoming Open Day , where she’ll manage staff and volunteers at the University's largest public event.

"Open Day is our premier future student event. It provides the opportunity for visitors to learn about the benefits of our unique course structure, the career opportunities available following study and what life is like as a UWA student. We hope to have around 18,000 visitors to campus this year.

“Everyone’s welcome on the day, and there’s lots of fun things happening to keep the kids happily entertained, such as rides, a petting zoo and face painting,” says Rilana.

Open Day is on from 10am-4pm, Sunday 14 August. Read more about it here .