Name: Melissa
Role Title: Web Designer and Developer, Self Employed
Location: Boundless Blue, Country Victoria and Hamburg, Germany

Description of work undertaken: I develop Websites for a range of customers who are all involved in some way with resource management, community education and development, and environmental protection. I work with lots of different people who are involved in really diverse and interesting projects. An internet based occupation allows for real freedom and flexibility in work

I build Websites from the ground up and this can involve: organising web hosting, domain names and Email addresses; designing the 'screen layout'; researching the content of the site (taking photos, interviewing people, gathering together existing content); nuts and bolts web authoring; and publicising the site.

Team and / or individual role / responsibilities:
Being self employed I do everything, and this includes the worrying about taxation and book keeping. Even so, doing everything myself is one of the best aspects of my work. I really like all parts of the process of getting a Website together. I like finding out who my customers are and what they want and need. I like the design process and the editing and organisation of information.

Future?
Having an internet based occupation allows for real freedom and flexibility in work, and Web development is a publishing industry which creates very little waste and fells no forests. Because of those two factors I really want to stay part of the digital information/multimedia industry. I'd like to continue being self employed and perhaps expand my business later on by taking on a business partner or by employing someone.

BACKGROUND:
Grew up where?
I grew up on a 100 acre hobby farm in Molyullah (North East Victoria) which gave me a love of wide open spaces. As a family we did quite a bit of travel (in eastern Australia) during school holidays, and we cross-country skied and bushwalked and saw a lot of the wild and beautiful places in this part of the country. My father is an avid conservationist (or greenie) and my brothers and I learned all about declining resources, sustainable agriculture, land degradation and Landcare from him, early on.

Course(s) studied:
Tertiary /post secondary:
I have recently completed a Certificate IV in Small Business Management. I am currently completing (part-time and off-campus) Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing, with a view to eventually obtaining my Arts degree (Professional Writing and Editing). When I was straight out of school, and didn't have any idea what I wanted to do, I started and didn't finish a Science degree and then started and didn't finish an Arts degree (social sciences).

Secondary:
While in VCE, I studied English, Biology, Chemistry, an intermediate/advanced Math and Legal Studies. These subjects provided a wide range of course options and gave me good, general skills.

Work experience:
I have had a great deal of varied work experience; waitressing, fruit picking, front desk reception, shop assistant, dog musher and many many other roles. All of these different jobs have been valuable learning and life experiences. A casual, 3 month position first gave me exposure to, and training in, web development. This led to further web development work and the beginnings of my business, Boundless Blue.

OPPORTUNITIES:
Learning on job, new skills, etc.
The Information Technology industry is evolving daily and keeping up with new developments is as important as it is difficult. Running my own business is challenging also and I have learnt a great deal through trial and error (and a business course) and know I still have a lot more to learn.

Travel, etc.
I love to travel and freedom to travel is one of the main perks of my job. At present I am living part time in Germany and in the future I hope to be able to continue living and working wherever I like. This year I travelled to the Macromedia Web Solutions Seminar in Singapore, have had business meetings in London, attended CeBIT (international Information Technology seminar and expo) in Hannover, Germany and visited Expo 2000 (theme was 'Humankind, the Environment and the Future of Technology'), also in Hannover.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW:
VCE students
If you are unsure about what you want to do in terms of study or careers after you finish your VCE, do yourself a huge favour and take at least a year off. A year 'out there and in it' will do you the world of good. Work, travel, play. Learn more about yourself, who you are and what you like and what you want out of life. These are big decisions and giving yourself a year or two of breathing space before you jump into University study can be really valuable.

OTHER:
Comments, thoughts, suggestions.
I started my business with the support of NEIS (New Enterprise Initiative Scheme). For anyone considering going into business for yourself, NEIS can provide invaluable assistance, and I would highly recommend looking into it to see if you are eligible to join the program. They provide a business course, guidance during the development of your business plan, mentoring and some financial assistance for your first year of business. You can find out more about it from Job Network members.