Case study

Orla is currently an environmental scientists for Environmental Resources Management Australia.

Job pathway

Sizzler> Waitress> Kathmandu Sales> Yr 12 science tutor> Case Officer (Bureau of Rural Sciences, DAFF)> Spatial Science Consultant> Research Officer> Environmental Scientist ERM.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science
Master of Applied Science (Environmental Science)

How did you end up working in your current job?

After two years working in Canberra I planned to move back to Sydney but didn't get anywhere in three months of job hunting through the standard channels. A week before my contract was up, my brother suggested I call a friend-of-a-friend who worked at ERM. I made the call and was told they were looking to hire and I had my first interview lined up a week later. It really does all come down to who you know. Leave no door unopened.

What skills do you use in your job?

I work within a team that is responsible for undertaking Environmental Impact Assessments for major infrastructure developments. My day-to-day job involves liaising with clients, stakeholders and ERM's technical experts, including specialists in planning, community consultation, ecology, hydrology, noise, air and archaeological heritage. Having a good working relationship with your colleagues helps immensely when the pressure is on.

I am responsible for compiling reports for environmental management including impact assessments, management plans and project monitoring. Working in a consulting environment means that each project is undertaken within a set budget, meets the clients' expectations and complies with environmental statutory and consultation requirements.

Skills that I use include:

• communication and negotiating skills
• writing and editing
• project management
• ecological sampling design and analysis
• GIS, remote sensing and GPS
• environmental law
• desktop skills including statistical modelling packages.

What are some alternative jobs that you would be qualified for?

I have training and experience in ecology, fluvial geomorphology and GIS. I'm qualified to work as a technical or research officer within government departments and research institutions. This could include environmental management of fisheries, wildlife and landuse; ecological and geomorphological research; and planning or policy. Potential employers include Department of Environment and Conservation, universities, museums, CSIRO, etc.

"Ask lecturers and tutors if they know of any work. If they know you're keen to work in the area, they are usually willing to help mould you into a professional."

What do you think it was that got you the job over other applicants?

My direct approach. It showed initiative and determination whereas the majority of people are happy to just leave their resume with the Human Resources departments in organisations and wait for a reply. Having the skills and experience to back you up helps but enthusiasm for the position and the ability to communicate goes a long way!

What advice would you give to students who have commenced an environmental science degree and want to get a great job when they graduate?

Get all the experience and make all the connections you can while at university. It's your best chance at having a job to go to before you graduate. If you can get work experience over the holidays or a casual (but related) job during your degree, all the better. Ask lecturers and tutors if they know of any work. If they know you're keen to work in the area, they are usually willing to help mould you into a professional.

Also, be realistic in what courses you take. If you have a particular interest, tailor your program to aim for that goal. And if you find you don't actually like it after all, it's best to change to something you do. There's no point wasting thousands of dollars and a few years of your life to get a job that you don't want to go to everyday. But if you like it, give it all you've got. Academic excellence never hurt a job prospect.

What were your biggest mistakes during your life when applying for jobs? How would you have done it better?

I had a very ordinary CV when I first started out and I expected the employers to see through this to the real me. It's just paper though and if you don't look good on paper, no one wants to meet the real thing.

What type of activities were you involved in at university and high school, and did they give you any skills that you use in your job now?

I have always been heavily involved in sport, which requires a great deal of commitment and time management. Team sports are also great for developing skills in teamwork as well as negotiation!

What was the most surprising thing about working full time in environmental science that you did not expect?

I actually enjoy it. When you like what you do, missing out on the sunshine for five days a week isn't so bad. It also means you get to hang around with people who have similar intellectual interests.

If you could go back to the start of your degree and change anything you did since then, what would it be?

I would have spent more time actually doing my labs. This is the major component of "hands on" you get at uni besides work experience. Being comfortable using GIS or knowing how to use a mass spectrometer could really come in handy one day.

Where do you see yourself in five year's time?

Having babies... and being involved in the management of marine protected areas.