Welcome to Career Interrupted. A dedicated space to discussing. career breaks by Dr Josephine Simone.

I am an experienced and passionate career break researcher, academic and professional writer and presenter. In March 2025, I was awarded Doctor of Administration (DBA) degree from Victoria University. I completed my professional doctorate part-time over 7 years, whilst I was taking a career break to raise my children. My thesis “Career Break Perceptions and Experiences: Women in STEM” explored how emerging changes to an individual’s work, life and career when taking a career break can shape their employability and decision making.

My prior employment experiences include Research, Project Management and Consulting roles within the Higher Education and Professional Services Industry.

In 2026, I plan to commence a new chapter post professional doctorate. My goal is to transition from an academic researcher, presenter and dissertation writer to a narrative and creative speaker and writer. I hope to connect career break academic research and public engagement, sharing my career break research insights and findings to benefit a wider audience.

📍 Based in Melbourne, Australia
📧 Contact me for collaborations or speaking engagements via email josephine.simone@outlook.com