Name: Paul H
Role: Scientist
Location: Institute for Horticultural Development Knoxfield

ABOUT MY CAREER

What does a typical day in your job involve?
» I am involved in doing research into post-harvest handling systems for fresh vegetables, from the paddock to the plate.
» My tasks involve laboratory testing, field trials and water quality testing.
» I also do some extension work which involves visiting farmers and talking to them about post harvest handling systems.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
» Working with farmers and talking to people.

Why did you choose this career?
» An interest in natural resource management, environmental and health issues.

What would you like to do in the future?
» Focus on environmental management, research and education.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MYSELF

Where did you grow up?
» I was born and bred in Traralgon, Victoria. Traralgon is a regional city in Gippsland, which has mining, forestry, agriculture, fishing and tourism as major industries.

How did this influence your choice of career?
» Exposure to a diversity of natural resources and farm experiences in Gippsland, led me to choose Environmental Science as a preferred course of study and career.

MY EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Were courses in secondary school planned for this sort of work?
» I chose to study Biology, Geography and Outdoor/Physical Education because there were elements of Environmental Science within the curriculum. The school I attended focussed on the key areas of Maths, English and Religion, which I was required to study.

Which University or TAFE course have you completed?
» Bachelor of Science (Honours) - majoring in Environmental and Biological Sciences.
» Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary) - currently completing at Deakin University.

Have you completed any work experience?
» Farmhand work from an early age gave me an insight into agriculture.
» I worked as a shop assistant and kitchen hand to support myself through university.
» After graduating from university I worked as a practical demonstrator and tutor for Deakin University, while undertaking volunteer work for Parks Victoria and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE).
» Then I got my break at NRE.

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

Do you plan to do further study?
» My aim is to complete my Postgraduate Bachelor of Education next year.
» Then complete a Masters or PhD in Environmental Management Systems in agriculture later on.

Is there a lot of learning on the job?
» Working in science is a life long learning process.
» With technology evolving, scientists are constantly learning new skills and developing fresh ideas.

Do you travel much in your job?
» There is scope within the job to travel across the state regularly.
» Interstate and overseas travel opportunities are available for young scientists, although senior scientists probably travel more often.

What are graduates from you course doing now?
Graduates from my course took various career paths, depending on their interests. Some are:
» Ecologists
» Horticulturalists
» Entomologists
» Rangers
» Biologists
» Plant pathologists
» Teachers
» Chemists
» Accountants

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW

Primary students
» Learn what citizenship is all about.
» Listen to your teachers, parents and get involved in team activities.
» Don't get fixed to a TV screen.

Secondary students
» Consider your career prospects by identifying what your interests, capabilities and limitations are.
» Don't be afraid to move from the country to the city, as there are many support networks to help with the transition.

Other advice
» Travel opportunities are rare, so consider them seriously. Broadening your horizons are excellent learning experiences.