From work experience student to General Manager, Western Sydney University alum Stephanie Partridge is helping shape the future of Australia’s property landscape

Now General Manager of Development (NSW) at Goodman Group, Stephanie’s career began in an unexpected but formative way. “I actually started working at Goodman straight after school,” she says. “It was my first professional job. It was for work experience...I ended up loving real estate.”

That early exposure sparked a shift in direction. While initially studying finance and economics, Stephanie realised her passion lay in the built environment. So, she pivoted, completing a Masters in Property Investment and Development at Western Sydney University, graduating in 2014.

“I was working at the time. And the structure I found was quite flexible and unique,” she explains, allowing her to balance both study and work.

The combination of theory and hands-on experience proved invaluable and is an opportunity that Stephanie now actively encourages students and graduates not to pass up.

“I think any practical experience students can get while studying is really beneficial,” she says. “It helps underpin the theory you’re learning in the classroom.” Site visits, work experience in the property development or construction field, and “being able to see the physical works happening on site” is a highly valuable experience for students that Stepanie is passionate about facilitating at Goodman.

Today, Stephanie plays a key role in fostering those opportunities through strong partnerships between industry and Western Sydney University. For Goodman, engaging with students while they are still at university is a priority, “to be able to secure a pipeline of talent in the future,” explains Stephanie.

When it comes to hiring graduates, technical experience isn’t the top priority. Instead, Stephanie looks for qualities that can’t be taught as easily. "We're looking for someone who has the right attitude and work ethic,” she explains.

Stephanie believes today’s students bring a fresh perspective to the industry. “They're really intrigued in terms of what's going on with technology, with automation ... [and] eager to challenge the status quo.”

Her advice to those starting out is simple but powerful: back yourself.

“Put your hand up for all opportunities,” she says. “Don't look at an advertisement for a job and think, oh, I'm not suitable for that or they're not going to pick me because I haven't got the right level or the years of experience. Make sure you put your hand up, apply for the job and at least try.”

That mindset has guided her own progression into leadership. She credits her career growth to building confidence and learning to speak up, particularly to the executive team, who want to hear your recommendations and solutions to problems.

“Have the confidence to voice your opinion and back up that opinion with facts and evidence... for me, when I gained the confidence to be able to do that, that's when doors opened for me at Goodman.”

Stephanie is also passionate about encouraging more women into property and construction industries where she has seen gradual but meaningful change. “There's lots of opportunity for women to work in the industry,” she says.

Her message to aspiring professionals is clear: “your opinion is valued. And the moment that you realise that, then the world's your oyster.”

From student to industry leader, Stephanie’s journey is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities and creating them for others along the way.

Words by Rachel McGrath.

25 June 2026
Media Unit