Name: Daniel
Role Title: Recent university graduate (Bachelor of Applied Science in Natural Resource Management)
Location: Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Tatura

Team and / or individual role / responsibilities: Presently completing preliminary work for the project "the careers file" for Food and Agriculture in the Classroom. This involves interviewing and photographing various people with in Agricultural, Resource Management and Food Industry backgrounds and compiling profiles of them. Daniel hopes to work in herpetology (study of reptiles and amphibians)

Future?
In the future Daniel hopes to obtain employment with in the areas of wildlife management, in particular herpetology (study of reptiles and amphibians). Daniel is also interested in catchment protection and pest animal management.

BACKGROUND:
Grew up where?
Daniel was born in Melbourne, but spent seven years living in Perth. Daniel moved back to Melbourne in Year 9 at secondary school. He has always spent time in the country travelling, fishing and camping. These activities have largely influenced Daniel with his course selection, career area and his general interest working in rural settings.

Course(s) studied:
Tertiary /post secondary:
Daniel has completed an Advanced Certificate in Natural Resource Management, A Diploma of Applied Science in Natural Resource Management and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Natural Resource Management at The University of Melbourne, Dookie College.

Secondary:
In Year 12, yes - Subjects such as Environmental Studies, Biology, and Geography.

Work experience:
Tennis Coaching. DNRE in Heathcote, Mildura and Bendigo working on Salinity and Erosion monitoring and extension work, and rabbit control on irrigated farms/orchards; Land for Wildlife Assessments and extension for Shire of Sherbrooke and in the reptile enclosure at Healesville Sanctuary. Dan conducted research about the Inland or N/E Carpet Pythons using radio-telemetric devices and GPS. At The University of Melbourne, Dookie College he coordinated native tree propagation on campus. He has worked on orchards in Goulburn Valley, fruit picking and planting and dairy farms as a farm hand. Most recently he worked for DNRE Tatura on plant and soil investigations with the pathology dept and laboratory examinations with Viticulture research.

OPPORTUNITIES:
Further study:
Daniel is hoping to complete his Masters (Natural Resource Management) in an area of herpetology.

Learning on job, new skills, etc.
Daniel believes that he is always learning on the job. He is developing and improving his communication skills, information technology skills and field research abilities.

Travel, etc.
At present Daniel is spending the majority of his time travelling north east Victoria conducting preliminary work for 'the careers file'.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW:
students up to Year 10
Daniel believes that students should not be too worried about career choices at this stage. He suggests that students should work hard with subjects such as English, Mathematics and Science as this will give better preparation for VCE.

VCE students
Daniel suggests that students should be thinking about some of the career areas available that show some appeal to them and then choose their VCE subjects accordingly. Daniel thinks that students should work hard on science electives and try to accomplish as much work experience as possible on school holidays and after school. This experience does not necessarily have to be the student's preferred career area as all job experiences will assist in the future.

Tertiary students
Daniel suggests that students at university should complete as many work placements as they can and try to match this experience to coincide with their selected career/course choices.

OTHER:
Comments, thoughts, suggestions.
Daniel believes that industry contacts are vital for a "foot in the door" within selected industries. Getting your name and face recognized in the work force is most important for future employment.

What careers have other graduates from your course entered?
Environmental Scientists, Field Officers, Soil Scientists, Park Rangers, Catchment Management Officers, Environmental Co-ordinators, Hydrogeologists.