Miranda Sowden

“The school motto is about finding your passion, power and genius.”

When Miranda Sowden joined Yarra Valley Grammar in Year 11, the presence of girls in the former all-boys school was still a relative novelty.

“We had a fair bit of attention! I didn’t know anyone else when I arrived at the school but I felt very welcomed and involved.”

Miranda had an affinity for English and English Literature and combined this with General Maths, Biology, Politics, Australian History and Economics.

After graduating, she enrolled in an Arts degree at the University of Melbourne and moved in to a residential college.

“But then I had this massive reality check. Uni was very different to what I’d expected and I struggled. The amount of reading for the subjects I was studying was overwhelming and I realised I needed to pause to work out what I really wanted to do and where I was going.”

Miranda completed her degree but spread her three-year course over six years while she worked part-time and travelled.

“I was happiest when I worked and studied part-time. I felt I was a better student and I didn’t feel any pressure to get through my degree as quickly as possible,” she says.

After graduating from university, Miranda joined a graduate program with National Mutual Life Insurance, now AXA. She has since held increasingly senior positions focused on HR, People and Culture.

“I’m big on industry connections, placements and internships while you study so you can become more connected with the world of work. Being able to work collaboratively – formally or virtually, doing what you’ve been assigned to do to the highest quality, and being able to focus, manage distractions and give your focus and energy to something is very important in the workplace.”

With a son in Year 12, Miranda is currently excited about helping him navigate life after school.

“I think a lot of people finish school and don’t know what to do but it can be exciting to go in one direction, realise it’s not switching you on and to then find another pathway and try something else,” says Miranda.

“If I could give advice to my younger self at the time I joined Yarra I’d tell myself that this time is an opportunity to try new things and to throw yourself into experiences you might not have had if you’d stayed where you were. I’d also advise myself to believe in myself a bit more.”