Case study

Jenny is a geochemical technical officer with the CSIRO

Job pathway

Retail Sales Assistant >Guest Service Assistant >Demonstrator, 1st year Chemistry >Technical Officer >Jewellery Sales Assistant >Geochemical Technical Officer, CSIRO

Qualifications

Bachelor of Medical Science (3 years)

How did you end up working as a Geochemist at CSIRO?

I had never thought of a career in industrial chemistry until I had left university. Even though my university course was focused on medical science, pharmaceuticals and medical research, it gave me a solid grounding and the opportunity to enter any industry that involved chemistry.

While looking for full time work, I spent some time at the university tutoring and being a lab technician. A lab technician keeps the labs running and ensures that each class has the equipment that it needs.

"My biggest mistake was that I didn't network or meet prospective employers while at university..."

I was applying for any job that sounded interesting even if they were over my experience. I applied for the job of a Geochemical Instrumentalist. They realised that the advertised job was not suited to me but there was an opening for the current job I have today.

What skills do you use in your job?

I have to use my common sense a lot of the time. If there is a problem with an instrument or a read-out I have to use logic to find out where the problem is. To do this I have to know my chemistry and the workings behind each machine.

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

Any graduate positions in chemistry, whether that is in organic, inorganic or physical chemistry. I am qualified as an analytical chemist where I analyse any type of sample on different instruments, not just the ones mentioned. There is work in research and development labs in the medical, food and industrial industries.

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

Enthusiasm, willingness to learn and that I was not afraid to ask questions.

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

Get at least one week work experience in your holiday breaks between semesters! Ask lecturers for company recommendations and look for companies who you might like to work for one day. Work experience exposes you to some of the different skills that you will need when looking for a job and gets you networking. Once you know a few employers finding a job is that much easier.

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

My biggest mistake was that I didn't network or meet prospective employers while at university.

Another was the cover letters that went along with my resume. Learn how to write a decent cover letter, don't be afraid to be confident; you are trying to tell the prospective employer that they need you.

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 taught a lot of horse-riding and I believe that this has allowed me to be outwardly confident and less shy. Also I have learnt to explain concepts to people patiently and in laymen's terms, whether that be scientific or horse related.

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

I enjoy the freedom of having an office and a lab. I am never in one or the other for too long. I like analysing unknown samples, it's kind of fun waiting for a result that has never been seen before. The instruments can be a challenge sometimes when they need to be fixed. This can be frustrating but it does break up the day by throwing an unexpected element in. Lastly I continue to learn all the time. Whether I am going to a work presentation or I am helping with method development.

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

I may have chosen a few different subjects, not many though. Some subjects at the university were not 'advertised' very heavily so students did not do them.

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

I am not sure. I have no definite plans. I will definitely stay with the CSIRO for several years. After that, I may move to a new field. I am not restricted to petroleum or instrumentation operation. I will just have to wait and see what opportunities present themselves to me.