Derek achieves against the odds

Serious ongoing health problems, family illness, and juggling a young family with his role as chief finance officer of the Australian Communications and Media Authority hasn’t stopped Southern Cross University student Derek Ambrose from pursuing an impressive education.

Derek is well on the way to completing his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) via distance education – the latest in a remarkable string of qualifications that he has completed against the odds over the last seven years, including three Masters and four graduate diplomas.

The Canberra-based businessman said he had become accustomed to overcoming adversity from early on in life.

“As a young person I was suffering around 60-70 asthma attacks a year, two of which I had to be resuscitated from,” said Derek.

“In addition, my parents suffered from ill health, and I was put in charge of the family farm in Victoria at the age of 16.

“All this meant that I missed a lot of schooling, and I was very disadvantaged educationally.”

In 1983 Derek suffered a stroke which left him with paralysis to 20 percent of his head and complete deafness in one ear. But a job in the public sector working for the Department of Innovation, Industry Science and Research finally marked the turning point in a lifetime of adversity.

“I was struggling, but suddenly I found myself surrounded by people of good intellect in an environment that allowed me to challenge myself provided I gave my commitment,” said Derek.

“I could see where I wanted to go, and what I needed to get there, so I seized the opportunity. I worked hard, including weekends and nights, and I delivered. I started studying, and I still continue to this day.”

In a few short years, Derek has risen through the ranks of the public service, from high range clerk level to his current role, where he manages the financial outcomes of the entire Commonwealth-run Australian Communications and Media Authority.

Derek, who also completed his Master of Professional Accounting by distance education through Southern Cross University, said studying had been a rewarding experience.

“I’m studying by distance but the quality of my supervisor is such that there is no real difference to studying face-to-face,” said Derek.

“Studying broadens your ability to analyse information, and I’ve found I can apply the theories to everyday work, taking the whole of the organisation into consideration.

“It’s been a challenge and I have had to consistently put in the work on a long-term basis, but I have been lucky to have a supportive wife and family.

“Every time some adversity comes along, you have to beat it. My advice would be to be tenacious and you can overcome anything.”

Photo: Derek Ambrose (a choice of high resolution images may be available on request)