Name: Natalie L
Role: Coordinator for On-farm trials in Viticulture 
Location: Institute for Horticultural Development Knoxfield

ABOUT MY CAREER 

What is Viticulture?
»The planting and maintaining of grapevines for wine making. 

What does a typical day in your job involve?
»In my current position I assist vineyard growers with conducting their own research trials on their own properties. 
»I assist growers in setting up the trial so the results are meaningful to them later, and conduct workshops with grower groups on how to interpret their results. 
»Most importantly is that the grower realises that they are responsible for the trial and they only have to test what they are interested in finding out about. 
»I also work as an Extension Officer, which involves visiting vineyard growers and giving them advice about vineyard management. 
»My previous positions have involved doing research into diseases and pests that are causing problems for grapevines and pome fruit. 
»This type of work involved doing experiments in the laboratory, out in the field and in glasshouses. 

What do you enjoy most about your job?
»I mostly enjoy chatting to growers about how to grow the best wine grapes for winemaking. 
»I also enjoy learning from growers about management practices. 

Why did you choose this career? 
»I've always loved science and while studying at university I read about Agricultural Science and knew that this area was exactly what I wanted to learn about. 
»After completing six weeks work experience at a vineyard I developed a love and interest in Viticulture.

What would you like to do in the future?
»I really enjoy working in Viticulture and I want to keep on learning about grapevine growing. 
»One day I would like to manage my own vineyard. 

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MYSELF 

Where did you grow up?
»Although I was born overseas I grew up in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. 

How did this influence your choice of career? 
»I have always had a love for science, plants and animals and this led me to the Agricultural Science course at university.

MY EDUCATION AND TRAINING 

Were courses in secondary school planned for this sort of work?
»I completed science subjects at secondary school. 

Which University or TAFE course have you completed?
»Two years of a Science Degree at Monash University and an Agricultural Science Degree at Latrobe University.

Have you completed any work experience?
»While at university I did work experience both at a vineyard and at IHD Knoxfield, which helped me to achieve my current career. 

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES 

Do you plan to do further study? 
»I would like to do a Degree in Music (Just because you're a scientist doesn't mean you are not creative. Actually being a scientist means you are also an artist).

Is there a lot of learning on the job?
»Always! There is a variety of training courses on offer and we are highly encouraged to attend them.

Do you travel much in your job? 
»Yes, I travel to conferences within Australia and overseas to discuss my work with other scientists in my field. 

What are graduates from you course doing now? 
»Genetic engineering 
»Mining 
»Research

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW 

Secondary Students 
»If you are unsure of what you want to do after you leave secondary school, choose a general Science or Arts course at University. It is much easier to transfer between courses once you are in and you will usually get credits for the year that you have done. 

Tertiary Students 
»Always keep your eyes open for what type of career opportunities are available to you. 
»Try to narrow down what it is you want out of your course. That will help you to decide what career paths are in your options.