Case study

Sally is the Chief Scientist with Crocodile Farms (NT) Pty Ltd

Job pathway

Rose picker and buncher > waitress > Crocodile farmhand > PhD > Chief Scientist

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, PhD in Animal Genetics

How did you end up working in your current job?

It was not my intention to become involved with crocodiles. Instead, it was an innocent adventure to do something different for work experience as part of my bachelor's degree requirements. While doing work experience, it began to dawn on me how new the crocodile industry was and the potential for continued research. During this work experience the manager and I discussed the possibility of using some of the data he had collected to design a genetic improvement program for crocodiles. Thus, my PhD project was conceived. This opportunity has allowed me to become the only crocodile quantitative geneticist in the world and basically, I was "head-hunted" by Crocodile Farms (NT) Pty Ltd to come and work with them.

What skills do you use in your job?

The skills I use are multiple and varied. A large part of my job description is to find funding for potential projects, and then design, conduct, analyse and write up the experimental reports. In addition, I need to coordinate my activities with the production managers and maintain the focus on production efficiency-related questions. Diplomacy, net-working, brain-storming and compromise are large facets of my work that I am becoming more proficient with as time goes by, but you never stop learning these attributes.

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

The "world is my oyster" is how I like to look at my potential opportunities. My PhD has placed me in a specialised field in terms of attracting geneticist positions. However, I am also interested in other areas such as nutrition and reproduction technologies. I feel I could turn my hand to just about anything given the right opportunities within the field of agricultural science. It would only be limited by my imagination and motivation.

"Do not limit yourselves to conventional industries. Open your mind to the future and consider working with emerging industries particularly if you are interested in research because the possibilities can be so rewarding....."

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

As mentioned above, I did not even apply; they found me! I have found myself as the only quantitative crocodile geneticist in the world.

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

Do not limit yourselves to conventional industries. Open your mind to the future and consider working with emerging industries particularly if you are interested in research because the possibilities can be so rewarding. Also, do not underestimate the experience gained by doing volunteer work or work experience. It can show your enthusiasm to potential employers and looks great on the resume.

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

I lacked some confidence in some of the job interviews. They are gruelling events both emotionally and physically, but remembering to be confident is so important.

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 was too focused on my horse-riding and studies. It was only during my PhD I became very involved in student welfare after hearing some ghastly stories. I then became very active at promoting post-graduate networking, social outings and trying to create better environments for post-graduate students.

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

The most surprising thing is how difficult it is to work with some people, particularly if they feel threatened. Intellectual discrimination is something we have to be aware of and try to find ways of talking to different "levels" of people and make them feel comfortable. I really did not expect this to be a concern nor problem.

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

I should have done a bit more networking through my degree, both with lecturers and other students. It was not until my post-graduate experience that I discovered the advantages of networking and contacts.

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

To be honest, probably still at Crocodile Farms (NT) Pty Ltd. I am submitting grants and coordinating projects that will keep me here for about 10+ years. As long as I am still meeting my life goals, I have a wonderful opportunity to progress in the industry in this position and am looking forward to the long term challenges.