Throughout her education journey, supports and programs like Pathways to Politics for Women helped Katharine Nikolic dream bigger and envision her future career.
It was in the early days of Katharine’s Bachelor of Arts (International Politics and Media and Communications) degree that the program first came on her radar.
“I remember getting out of a tutorial in my first or second year and seeing a poster for the Pathways to Politics program,” she said.
“I thought, ‘one day I hope to be able to apply for this program.’”
The Pathways to Politics program is increasing the number of women in politics – inclusive of cisgender and transgender women and non-binary people.
Over a three-month period, participants complete 10 sessions comprised of comprehensive practical training, workshops, and mentoring – plus career-long support after the program ends.
In 2023, after completing her undergraduate studies and a Master of International Relations, Katharine successfully enrolled into the program that she had aspired to since her early university years.
Katharine (middle row, third from right) with her Pathways to Politics cohort.
“In my group, we had women from across the whole political spectrum,” said Katharine.
The program is non-partisan and emphasises the importance of including women who are diverse culturally, professionally and politically.
“Creating a space where everyone is open-minded to different ideas, it's just such a rare and unique opportunity that the program offers.”
Women supporting women
Among Katharine’s highlights from the program was the opportunity to partake in a media workshop with newsreader and award-winning journalist Tracey Spicer.
“She did a session on media questions and how to speak to journalists, but it was also about movements – like hand placements and how to relax yourself before a big interview,” said Katharine.
“It's not often that you get to have a one-on-one workshop with someone so accomplished like Tracey, and I often still hear her voice in my mind giving me cues.”
On a more fundamental level, Katharine said the program gave her the opportunity to solidify her own political values and identity.
“In the very first session, we had to answer the question, ‘what have been the key milestones in your life that have motivated you politically?’”
“I took my pen and went to write, but I paused, because I had to really think about my own purpose,” said Katharine.
Katharine giving her stump speech in parliament.
While working in the chaotic and fast-paced industry that is politics, carving out the time to reflect on these core driving forces was especially meaningful to Katharine.
“To sit down and have a quiet hour to collaborate with other like-minded women, and really spend that time workshopping who I am and what I stand for, was really valuable.”
Beyond her own personal learnings, Katharine believes the Pathways to Politics program plays a much-needed role in bringing more diverse voices into Australian politics.
“I think the program is incredibly important for encouraging women to participate in the political landscape,” she said.
“We had young women, mums, women with hugely accomplished careers and some just starting out as well, and I think that reflects the openness of the program and what it stands for.”
Early political inklings
As a young woman brought up by a migrant family living in Melbourne’s west, Katharine has a unique perspective to offer Australian politics.
“Even though I was born here in Melbourne, my first language that I started speaking was Serbian – that’s where my parents come from,” she explained.
“It was always such a contrast to me hearing their stories, and then growing up in a democratic country here in Australia.”
Throughout Katharine’s early childhood, she learned a lot of English and developed formative interests while watching TV.
“I watched the world news on SBS, so from a young age, I really had that interest in global affairs and what was happening in the world,” she said.
“I remember watching the different parliaments in the chamber and not seeing that representation of women, so growing up, I really wanted to make that change.”
But the path towards finding her way into politics wasn’t straight-forward for Katharine as a teenager.
“I grew up and attended Sunshine College, and the University of Melbourne recognised our school as underrepresented and disadvantaged,” she shared.
“I really experienced that postcode prejudice. It was sometimes hard to study because we were too cold with the heaters not working properly, and too hot again in summer.”
It was at this time that a life-changing opportunity came Katharine’s way thanks to a scholarship from not-for-profit organisation Western Chances.
When Katharine was in year 11, the scholarship gave her the experience of living at the University’s Trinity College for two weeks, and the opportunity renewed Katharine’s motivation to push the boundaries of what she could achieve.
“I realised that I had this opportunity to engage with so many students from all over the world at the University of Melbourne, and it then became my dream to study super hard and attend the University.”
Relaying vital encouragement
After completing her masters in 2020, Katharine worked as an Electorate Officer and a Ministerial Adviser before embarking on her most recent role as an Electorate Office Manager for a Victorian Government MP.
It was one of Katharine’s colleagues that ensured she applied to the Pathways to Politics program, knowing it was a dream of hers.
“One of my coworkers – another strong, incredible woman – tapped me on the shoulder every day and asked if I had applied.
Katharine arriving at the program's graduation reception at Government House in February 2024.
“She was so amazing in motivating me, and what I have been glad to find through the program is other women like her.”
While Katharine isn’t sure what’s next for her in her career, she knows she will be guided by her experiences and the values she holds close.
“I will really believe that I've reached my life's purpose when I'm able to give back to the people that have helped me along the way,” she said.
“And I want to reach the young people of Melbourne's west and help them realise that yes, they can chase their dreams, and there shouldn't be those barriers in the way.”
Applications to the 2024 Pathways to Politics program are open until 24 April.
Visit the website to learn more and apply today.