Name: Joanne
Role Title: Communications Officer/Public Relations
Location: Institute for Horticultural Development, Knoxfield, Victoria

Description of work undertaken:
Joanne's role as a Communications Officer includes a number of tasks, including writing of media releases and liaising with media, researching and writing Science articles, generally communicating in different ways.

Team and / or individual role / responsibilities:
Joanne's individual role includes responsibility for photographs for use in publications, the internal newsletter and other communications and assisting staff to get information to the general public.

BACKGROUND:
Grew up where?
Joanne grew up on a family beef cattle farm near Bairnsdale, East Gippsland, Victoria.

Course(s) studied:
Tertiary /post secondary:
Joanne has completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Journalism and International Relations.

Secondary:
During secondary school Joanne was unclear of her future direction relating to employment. The only subject that had some relevance was English Literature.

Work experience:
Joanne has had experience with a number of employers. These include the 'Bairnsdale Advertiser', 'Dandenong Examiner' and ABC Sale (Radio 3GI)

OPPORTUNITIES:
Learning on job, new skills, etc.
Joanne hopes to gain more experience in photography by enrolling in appropriate courses.

Travel, etc.
Joanne travels across the state as she is involved in research at other DNRE Institutes.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW:
students up to Year 10
Joanne's advice to students up to Year 10 level is that you should study in areas you feel motivated and excited about and don't feel pressured by peer groups or adults to drop a subject because it's "uncool" or not "practical."

VCE students
Joanne suggests that VCE students should learn to work independently because at University you are on your own. She says that you should pick subjects that you have interest in and can focus on.

Tertiary students
Joanne believes that students should not be restricted in their career selection. Science, food and agriculture are areas which require people with a diverse range of talents and abilities.