Name: Kimberley
Role Title: Senior Science Policy Analyst
Location: DNRE, East Melbourne

Description of work undertaken:
· Preparation of policy papers for Ministers, Chief Scientists, and Executive Director Agriculture.
· Management of Chief Scientists of NRE
· Coordinating role for Excellence in Science Awards
· Management of relationships with Department of State and Regional Development's Science Technology and Innovation unit.
· Development of strategies and policies for investment in science by the Department

Future?
· High level policy management

BACKGROUND:
Grew up where?
· Born Melbourne, went to secondary school and university in Brisbane
· Studied Veterinary Science due to interest in animal industries and "All Creatures Great and Small"

Course(s) studied:
Tertiary /post secondary:
· Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
· Membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists by examination in Dairy Cattle: Medicine and Production

Secondary:
· Science and Maths studied to enable the greatest possible choice of university courses

Work experience:
· Tutorial fellow and clinical veterinarian at the University of Queensland Department of Farm Animal Medicine and Production.
· Clinical veterinarian in locum positions in New Zealand, Wales, Scotland, England and Australia, predominantly in large animal (dairy) medicine.
· Clinical veterinarian and farm management consultant in South West Victoria
· District Veterinary Officer: Department of Natural Resources and Environment
· Senior Science Policy Analyst: Department of Natural Resources and Environment

OPPORTUNITIES:
Further study:
The Department supports further training for its staff. I have completed short courses on Project management, facilitation and influence, negotiation skills, and a major course in epidemiology.

Learning on job, new skills, etc.
Exposure to high level policy development and decision making.

Travel, etc.
Limited in my current role.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW:
students up to Year 10
Science provides a brilliant background for many areas of work, and a sound basis for thinking about problems and issues. It is also very important to do well in English if you wish to succeed in policy development as the job I have now requires substantial reading and writing. Communication skills developed through study of English and involvement in public speaking or debating are essential in large and complex public sector organisations.

VCE students
Combined degrees are increasingly required for the type of work that I have detailed above. A combination science and law degree is very valuable. It is however possible to become involved in policy development with a science and research background if you have an open mind. The greatest skill that you can learn is the ability to think critically.

Tertiary students
The type of role that I perform requires curiosity and the ability to grasp concepts quickly. The teams I work with involve people with many qualifications including: medicine, law, environmental science, science, agriculture, veterinary science, and economics.

OTHER:
Comments, thoughts, suggestions.
The people that you know and the networks that you form throughout your education will have a great impact on your success in your chosen career. Foster your relationships with people from all walks of life - you never know when they will be required.

What careers have other graduates from your course entered?
· Clinical veterinary practice
· Technical managers for drug companies
· Headhunter
· Medical epidemiologist
· National drug registration authority
· Immunologist
· Aid workers in third world countries