Name: Angela
Role Title: Student (Studying Graduate Diploma of Education)
Location: La Trobe University, Shepparton

Future?
Angela wishes to pursue a career in Primary Teaching with a long term goal of environmental education.

BACKGROUND:
Grew up where?
Angela grew up in Albury and Wagga Wagga (Collingullie), NSW. She spent her school years in a small rural community and was introduced to many farming practices and the country way of life. As a result Angela has gained a strong appreciation and respect for the environment.

Course(s) studied:
Tertiary /post secondary:
Angela has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Parks, Recreation and Heritage), Charles Sturt University.

Secondary:
Angela's high school years were between1982 and 1987. During this time she says that there was no real emphasis placed upon Agriculture or environmental values. In Year 11 and 12 she enrolled in Unit 3 Science and after six weeks the subject was cancelled due to lack of interest by students. Angela was then forced to study economics instead.

Work experience:
Angela has worked with several organisations. She was a Shipping Export Co-ordinator (Wool Industry) for six years. She was part of the Hospitality and Recreation Industry for seven years as a Resort Manager and Recreation Guide.

OPPORTUNITIES:
Further study:
Angela's education offers the opportunity to pursue a number of career areas, including National Park Management, Recreation Provision and Management, teaching and guiding activities.

Learning on job, new skills, etc.
Throughout Angela's working experiences she has developed team management skills for various recreational activities, communication skills for teaching and guiding activities.

Travel, etc.
Angela has travelled to a variety of locations throughout her working career. She has travelled to Kings Park, (Perth,WA), Fraser Island (QLD), Goolwa (SA) and Hobart (Tas).

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW:
students up to Year 10
Angela believes that young students should complete work experience in fields that may interest them in the future. She says that you should not be afraid to try something if you don’t have a background to it. She says that you will surprise yourself with your ability to adapt and learn new things.

VCE students
Angela believes if you have an interest in an area pursue it now, don’t wait. She says that you should start your career young and build on it from there, because opportunities always come along to change and move within your chosen field. "You don’t have to find your ideal job first".

Tertiary students
Angela believes that completing work experience, work placement, volunteer work is the best option to create contacts in the working industry. Angela says that students should do this from year one of their studies.

OTHER:
Comments, thoughts, suggestions.
Talking to lecturers about career opportunities and paths is a very good first step, asking them about specific jobs you may be interested in. She says that students should get to know their lecturers well because the chances are they may know many contacts within the industry.

What careers have other graduates from your course entered?
Extension Officers, Park Rangers, Recreation Planners, Landcare Co-ordinators, Technical Officers, Fisheries Officers and Fire Crew.