Name: Rani 
Role Title: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst
Location: Centre for Land Protection Research, DNRE, Epsom

Description of work undertaken:  Rani completes a variety of tasks in her role as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst. She creates maps for different purposes, using Arcview and Arcinfo computer programs. Her favourite task is carrying out data analysis on digital data to derive new categories the client requires. Rani (left) conducting field work with a collegue

Team and / or individual role / responsibilities:
Rani's position is heavily team orientated. She supplies a lot of work to her team mates within other areas of DNRE. However, these tasks are all completed individually.

Future? 
Within the GIS technology industry there are many potential paths that Rani can take in the future. She would like to get involved in modelling technology which is an area she believes will grow in the future.

BACKGROUND:
Grew up where? 
Rani was born in Melbourne, but grew up in Bendigo (Victoria) from the age of seven. Playing in paddocks, dams, creeks and the bush gave her an appreciation of the environment.

Course(s) studied:  Tertiary /post secondary: Rani completed a TAFE course part time as part of the Land and Environment Action Program (Bendigo). She has also completed a Bachelor of Environmental Management and is currently involved in an Honours program at Flinders University in South Australia. Rani (3rd from left) with co-workers in the field

Secondary: 
Rani selected her subjects purely relating to Environmental Management. She studied Environmental Studies and Geography in Year 11 and 12.

Work experience:  In secondary school Rani wanted to be an electrician, therefore her work experience at school was entirely based on this type of work. After completing VCE she had several jobs in the environment, mining, and agriculture industries. OPPORTUNITIES:  Further study:  Rani may continue her studies in the future.

Rani at work in the spatial information lab

Learning on job, new skills, etc. 
Rani is constantly learning new skills through experience, trial and error and through her colleagues. She has also been given opportunities through her workplace to complete further study related to her work.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW: 
students up to Year 10
Rani says to do all the Science and Maths that you can, as you will use this in the future, even if it does not seem relevant at the time.

VCE students 
Students should not be worried if they are not ready to go straight on to University after finishing  school. It is healthy to have a break. Students should definitely complete VCE as it makes things easier down the track.

Tertiary students
Uni students should gain as much work experience as possible while studying. This helps you later when applying for jobs as you will have developed particular skills that are not directly related to your tertiary qualifications.

OTHER: 
What careers have other graduates from your course entered?
Green Corps Leader, Working for Planning South Australia in GIS, Project Officer for Pollution Prevention programs and local councils, Water Management Officer.