Where Are They Now? A Conversation with Max Cochrane

It's always inspiring to see our alumni take the skills and values they developed at PAC and use them to build successful and fulfilling lives. We recently connected with Max Cochrane, a 2020 Graduate, to hear about his journey since leaving the college. At just 23, Max is a Junior Consultant in Security Governance in Sydney, and his story is a fantastic example of seizing opportunities and navigating challenges.

The Journey Since Graduation

When Max left Year 12, his plan was to start a double degree in Security Studies and Business Analytics at Macquarie University and eventually work in a security and international relations-related field. While he's on track to complete his degree this year, his path evolved significantly through proactive networking and embracing new experiences.

His journey began in his first year of university when he attended a defence industry conference. This led to a series of networking events that opened doors and connected him with industry professionals who are now his mentors. These connections ultimately led to an incredible opportunity: joining a trade show delegation overseas, which in turn helped him land his current role at Empire Protection in October 2023.

One of the most defining moments of his journey was receiving a New Colombo Plan mobility grant in 2023. This grant, funded by the Australian government, allowed him to spend a semester studying abroad in Thailand. He describes the experience as "eye-opening and life-changing," as he gained a new perspective on security challenges, immersed himself in a different culture, and made lifelong friends.

Challenges and Resilience

While abroad, Max faced a significant personal challenge. Being in a new country with a different language and culture, far from his friends and family, was stressful. The passing of a family member compounded this, and he considered returning home.

"I did something stupid and didn’t talk about it with people back home because I had a great opportunity, I didn’t want to seem ungrateful," he shared.

However, he found resilience by talking to a friend, reflecting on his family member, and taking time for himself. He explored his new city, went to social events to meet people, and took a weekend trip to recharge. This experience taught him a powerful lesson: "The most important thing about a person isn’t always succeeding; it’s how they react to and learn from adversity and failure that matters."

The PAC Connection

Looking back on his time at PAC, Max has a fond memory of the talent quest. "It was a great test of self-confidence to get up in front of about one thousand people in a yellow cap and hat," he laughed.

He also notes how his perspective on life has changed since high school. "I’ve seen more of the real world," he explained, "I’ve been able to experience other cultures, other countries, and how people think and act."

Max's Advice to Current Students

When asked for a final piece of advice, Max stressed the importance of networking. "Go to as many networking events as you can, ask questions, tell stories, make some jokes, be someone people want to know and be around," he advised. He also encourages students not to be afraid to ask questions of more experienced people, as most are happy to offer advice.

His journey is a powerful reminder that a career path isn't always a straight line. It's about being open to opportunities, learning from challenges, and actively building the connections that will shape your future.