The art of becoming – How Gunjan Mehra Built a Career by Letting Go and Growing Forward
March 23, 2026
Could you briefly describe your career path so far and how it led you to your current role at La Trobe University?
I began my career in 2006 in event management in Jaipur (India), organizing medical conferences, corporate events, and weddings. Those years taught me planning, problem-solving, and organisation—skills I still rely on today.
Before fully moving into events, I had a brief six-month stint in education consultancy firm in India, assisting students with IELTS preparation and office administration. Who would have thought that this small role, taken just for experience, would later open the door to a completely new career in Australia? It taught me that every job, no matter how small, can shape your future in unexpected ways.
After moving to Melbourne and facing challenges breaking into local event management, I returned to education, working in administration, admissions, and later as an Education Counsellor at IDP Education.
Completing the Qualified Education Agent Counsellor (QEAC) certification was a turning point—it gave me confidence and deeper knowledge of the Australian education system, allowing me to support students more effectively.
My prior experience in event coordination, client engagement, and educational counselling has allowed me to bring strong organizational and administrative skills to my current role. It’s been a journey of growth, learning, and adapting, and I’m excited to continue building on it at La Trobe.
You previously worked in the wedding industry in India before moving to Australia and transitioning into education and research. How have these diverse experiences shaped your professional approach?
Working in the wedding and event industry in India was a whirlwind of energy, creativity, and problem-solving. I learned how to stay calm under pressure, plan every detail carefully, and adapt quickly when things didn’t go as expected—all while making sure people felt cared for and supported.
Moving into education and research in Australia was a completely different world, but I realized the same skills applied in new ways. Organizing diaries, managing calendars, and supporting colleagues required patience, organisation, and attention to detail. Looking back, I see how these diverse experiences—one fast-paced and vibrant, the other structured and meticulous—have shaped me into someone who is organised, adaptable, and values both precision and people in everything I do.
Across all my roles, I make it a point to give my best and bring my own touch to everything I do, ensuring my work is not just done but done thoughtfully.
Administrative roles are often less visible in academic environments, but are essential. How does your work behind the scenes help keep research activities running smoothly at the PC Hub and LISAF?
Much of my work at PC Hub and LISAF happens behind the scenes, but it’s essential to keeping research running smoothly. I manage diaries, coordinate meetings and travel, support events and seminars, prepare documents and reports, monitor communications, and liaise with colleagues and external stakeholders. I also anticipate needs and ensure processes run efficiently, helping prevent disruptions and keeping projects on track.
I feel extremely fortunate to work with a supportive and encouraging team who guide me and are always willing to help. Their support allows me to perform at my best and tackle a wide variety of tasks confidently. Even though my work is behind the scenes, it forms the backbone of the team’s success and helps researchers focus on their work and achieve meaningful outcomes.
What aspects of your work do you find most meaningful or rewarding?
The most rewarding part of my work is knowing that my efforts make a real difference in the success of the team and the progress of research projects. I enjoy tackling a variety of tasks, from coordinating complex schedules and managing communications to ensuring smooth processes and supporting colleagues whenever needed. Bringing my own approach and personal touch— problem-solving and adding small improvements—makes my work more fulfilling.
I deeply value the collaboration and sense of shared purpose that comes from working in a research-focused environment. Seeing how my behind-the-scenes contributions help the team function effectively, meet deadlines, and achieve meaningful outcomes is incredibly satisfying. I also appreciate how much I learn from the team’s expertise and how the team thrives when everyone’s efforts, including mine, come together. It reinforces that every detail, no matter how small, matters and that thoughtful, coordinated work can create a significant impact.
You are known for being exceptionally calm, patient, and composed—even in high-pressure situations. Do you think your background in the wedding industry contributed to this? How do you maintain that sense of calm?
Yes, my background in the wedding and event industry has definitely shaped my ability to remain steady under pressure. In India, I managed large-scale weddings and events where unexpected challenge, from last-minute changes to logistical hiccups were part of the job.
I consider myself a naturally calm and composed person, and I believe this helps me handle high-pressure situations effectively. I’ve always felt that panicking or going into overdrive doesn’t solve a problem—the situation itself doesn’t change by showing stress. Staying calm allows me to think clearly, make thoughtful decisions, and help those around me remain composed rather than overwhelmed.
In every role I’ve held, I’ve found that maintaining this calm mindset is key. It helps me approach challenges patiently, plan carefully, and ensure the team can respond thoughtfully and efficiently.
Of course, there are times when I’m like a duck: paddling furiously under the surface but appearing completely calm above water! That combination of focus, patience, and a bit of quiet determination helps me navigate any situation.
Can you share a challenge you’ve faced in your role and how you approached or resolved it?
As I reflect on my career, particularly across my roles in event management, education consulting, and now in administration, I have faced a variety of challenges. As an event manager, I often dealt with unpredictable disruptions—like a sudden venue change during a big wedding. I had to quickly mobilize a backup team, adjust plans on the spot, and communicated transparently to the family, ensuring we delivered a seamless experience. As a student counsellor, I supported a student who was facing severe harassment and racism at her university. She was deeply traumatized, and I not only helped her transfer to a safer environment but also escalated the matter to ensure she received the support she needed. These experiences taught me the power of empathy, swift action, and strategic escalation. Now, in my administrative role, I integrate all these lessons by staying proactive, coordinating across internal and external teams, and ensuring smooth, clear communication so that every aspect of operations runs efficiently and effectively.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
The professional accomplishment I am most proud of is the mindset I bring to every role. I believe my greatest achievements are yet to come. I approach every task with dedication, passion, and a calm resilience, especially in times of crisis. Whether I’m guiding a team through uncertainty or simply being there to support others, I remain focused and determined. I’m proud of the ability to stay steady under pressure, and I look forward to many more professional accomplishments as my career progresses.
You’ve worked across different industries, changed countries, and rebuilt your career in a new environment. What advice would you give to students or professionals who are moving to a new country to study or work?
Having experienced moving to a new country and starting afresh myself, I would say the most important thing is to be yourself and embrace the journey. Be open to making new friends, explore your surroundings, and adapt to new people and cultures, only then can you truly feel part of them. At the same time, be ready to unlearn old habits or ways of thinking so you can grow and learn new things. Amidst all the changes, don’t lose your sense of self.
Never say no to opportunities—no job is menial. When I first arrived in Melbourne, I volunteered at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and at the Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, just to gain experience and understand the local work culture. Every experience, big or small, teaches you something valuable and can open unexpected doors.
Things may not always go as planned, and the path might look very different from what you imagined, but patience, persistence, and a positive attitude go a long way. In my own journey, a short six-month role I did for fun in India ended up opening the door to a completely new career path in Australia. Every step counts, and approaching challenges with curiosity, openness, and determination makes the journey both manageable and rewarding.
Is there anything else you’d like to share that might inspire others following a similar path?
A career rarely follows a straight path, and that’s perfectly okay. Sometimes small roles, volunteering, or unexpected detours teach you valuable skills, build confidence, and open doors you never imagined. The same goes for life – challenges, surprises, and new experiences help you grow in ways you couldn’t plan for.
Staying true to yourself while being open to learning from new people, cultures, and situations is key.
“Every small effort, every connection, and every experience, whether in work or life, can lead to opportunities and paths you never expected. Approaching life with curiosity, patience, and a positive attitude makes the journey both rewarding and transformative.” — Gunjan Mehra
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