Career Hints for Students - VCE students

	"Choosing science subjects at VCE level will help make these subjects easier at university." Cindy - Winemaker at Beringer Blass, Mildara Wines, Merbein (near Mildura)
	"Following a science pathway combined with good reporting and presentation styles will give students a sound footing at University." Craig - Assistant Farm Manager, Deakin Estate Wingara Wine Group, Iraak, Vic
	"If you have an interest in an area pursue it now, don’t wait. You should start your career young and build on it from there, because opportunities always come along to change and move within your chosen field. You don’t have to find your ideal job first". Angela - University Student (Studying Graduate Diploma of Education) La Trobe University, Shepparton.
	"Start thinking about available career options and courses. Concentrate on subjects which may be prerequisites for Tertiary courses." Bailey - Dairy Farmer - Toolamba
	"If you are unsure of course/career selection, try to keep options open and try to obtain the best marks as possible." Bill - Agricultural Standards Officer - Bendigo
	"Look into interstate courses as well as Victorian Universities. You may find a different range of subjects and the move can be a great experience. Agriculture and Science/Natural Resource courses address a broad range of subjects and also allow you to specialise as your interests develop." Bindi - Extension Graduate (Irrigation Salinity Extension Officer) Tatura, Maffra and Echuca/Kerang
	"Don't feel you have to go to university immediately after high school. It is beneficial to experience being employed in the 'real world', so you can gain a full understanding of what field has lasting appeal for you and the demands of various employment environments." Brent - University student (Bachelor of Applied Science in Natural Resource Management) - The University of Melbourne, Dookie College
	"Be aware of the courses available beyond VCE and choose VCE subjects wisely, as many Tertiary courses require prerequisites." Chris - Orchard Manager - Turnbull Brothers' Orchards, Ardmona, Victoria
	"Explore all course entry methods at all Vet Schools/Institutions (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Murdoch). Also be prepared to travel interstate and utilise holidays for work in vet clinics, farms, animal shelters and wildlife refuges." Chris - Veterinarian (Partner, Tatura Veterinary Clinic) - Tatura
	"You don't have to study chemistry and physics at VCE level for this type of work (Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst). Geography, Maths and computer skills are all important." Craig - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst - Bendigo
	"Carefully choose subjects that relate to your future (if known) and your interests." Dale - Technical Officer - DNRE Tatura
	"Work hard and try to keep options open because your thoughts on careers may change over time." Damien - Veterinarian - Tatura
	"Think about some of the career areas available that show some appeal to you and then choose your VCE subjects accordingly. 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 in your preferred career area as all job experiences will assist in the future." Daniel - Recent university graduate (Bachelor of Applied Science in Natural Resource Management) - Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Tatura
	"Think about what areas and skills you are good at and also enjoy. You spend a lot of your later life working, so it is important to do something that is enjoyable." Eli - Wool Industry Officer - Ballarat
	"Investigate university courses and the requirements for entrance early. Try to talk to students doing the courses you are interested in to see how they find the course." Fiona - Beef Industry Development Officer (currently in the NRE Graduate Program)
	"At this level subject selection is very important. Most agricultural degrees will involve Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics and it is of definite benefit at university level to have some grounding in such areas. Start researching different tertiary courses and other options in Year 11. Once decided on an area of study, more research into individual courses offered by the different universities and their core subjects and structure is useful as universities vary in choice of electives and areas of specialisation. Attend appropriate Open Days and make sure you understand the university selection process and important dates for submitting course applications." Fiona - University Student (Bachelor of Applied Science/Bachelor of Commerce) - The University of Melbourne
	"If you want to pursue a career in Agriculture you need to structure your subject selection wisely for the university course you hope to do. A basic Maths subject will always help in the future no matter what career you may choose." Fraser - University Student (Bachelor of Applied Science in Agribusiness) The University of Melbourne, Dookie College
	"Research career options carefully and try to gain as much work experience possible." Hamish - Dairy Farmer/ Manager - Tatura, Northern Victoria
	"If you don't know what your ideal career path is, continue to study the subjects you enjoy. Consider the aspects of the subjects that you enjoy most and think about them in relation to your future career." Hayley - Landcare Support Officer - Horsham
	""Ask questions - if you don't ask you don't know. If you think that you would like to do a course in something in particular then see if you can talk to someone who has been there and done it - they will help to give you a good understanding of what to expect. Don't be afraid to dream, if you have a dream job in mind then write it down. If you do this you are one step closer to making your dream reality!" Jo - Sustainable Regional Development Officer - Bendigo
	"Start thinking about what you intend to do in the future. Research courses that appeal to you and work out the pre-requisite subjects required for entry." Jo-Anne - Animal Nutritionist / Feed Quality Analyser - Heiferlink (Shepparton) and Agrilink Feed Services
	"Learn to work independently because at University you are on your own. Pick subjects that you have interest in and can focus on." Joanne - Communications Officer/Public Relations - Institute for Horticultural Development, Knoxfield, Victoria
	"Remember you will be more likely to change jobs than not - the average is six career changes in your life! Try a range of things, don't specialise too early, particularly if you're not sure what career interests you. Go to as many Uni Open Days as possible as they give you a great idea of the range of courses available." Joanne - National Methyl Bromide Communications Officer - Institute for Horticultural Development, Knoxfield
	"Talk to as many people as possible who are working within the field you are interested in, to get an idea of what you might like to do. Take opportunities for work experience/volunteer work where available and choose a practical course at university, rather than a theoretical one." Kate - Environmental Planning and Works Officer - DNRE Tatura
	"Study science-related subjects and possibly an agricultural subject if available." Kellie - Field Officer (Dairy Industry) - Murray Goulburn Co-operative, Maffra, Vic
	"Spend the two years working as hard as you can to give yourself maximum choice at the end. Make sure you check prerequisites out thoroughly. If you have no desire for uni education, then do the subjects that offer maximum practicality for your working life after school." Kellyanne - Beef Industry Development Officer - DNRE Wodonga, Vic
	"Select courses which best cater for your future aspirations. Be aware that further education is not the only option and that it may not suit every individual. Whatever path you decide to follow, do it confidently and with enthusiasm. If you have a passion for the Environment, Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, it is a terrific and worthwhile area to direct your energy." Kim - Environmental Scientist (Private Consultant) - Sinclair Knight Merz, Tatura
	"Keep your options open in terms of subject selection, and try to choose subjects that you feel would provide some benefit in the future." Kim - Quality Assurance Officer - Ardmona Foods Ltd, Mooroopna, Victoria
	"Combined degrees are increasingly required for the type of work that I have detailed (Senior Science Policy Analyst). 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." Kimberley - Senior Science Policy Analyst - DNRE, East Melbourne
	"Choose subjects that are interesting and challenging at the same time. Look ahead to courses of interest following VCE and make the most of those two years to be able to look back and say "I did the best I could"." Kylie - Technical Officer, Pathology and Sustainable Agriculture - DNRE, Tatura
	"Begin at looking at career options and find out what education is required to achieve these positions. Choose subjects that will keep your options open. Look into your selected university course very carefully and find out what the qualification will give you at the end of it." Larissa - Administration Manager - Westfarmers Dalgety, Shepparton
	"Target your education toward primary interest areas and investigate all aspects in relation to what career or course you should endeavour." Lexie - Part time Ranger and university student - Dookie Bushland Reserve, The University of Melbourne, Dookie College
	"Follow your preferred path of career selection and choose subjects to suit. Speak to universities and employers about long-term options within your selected industry." Martin - Hydro-geologist - Sinclair Knight Merz, Tatura
	"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 or breathing space before you jump into University study can be really valuable." Melissa - Web Designer and Developer - Boundless Blue, Country Victoria and Hamburg, Germany
	"Select subjects carefully that will have some benefit with your choosen university course." Paul - Technical Officer - CropTec Fertilisers and Seed
	"Don't be worried if you 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." Rani - GIS Analyst - Centre for Land Protection Research - DNRE Epsom
	"Choose subjects that are interesting to you." Ryan - Graduate Engineer (Groundwater and Water Resources) - Sinclair Knight Merz, Tatura
	"Keep your options open, by doing at least one maths and one science subject at VCE level. Do voluntary work in an industry you wish to develop a career in." Vanessa - Environmental Scientist - Goulburn Valley Water