Graduate Profile: Environmental Science (Honours)      

Name: Luisa Powell
Degree Awarded: BSc Environmental Science, BSc Environmental Science (Honours)
Position Gained: Hydrogeologist
Commencement Date: 3/12/07

Could you give us a brief description of what your position involves or will involve?

I will be working in rural Victoria investigating salt interception schemes for the Murray River

With your experiences in securing employment what advice would you give to students who are in their first, second, and final year of study?

Attend as many career workshops as you can.   They gave me the confidence to walk the professional walk and talk the professional talk. They don't take long, and you get a certificate to put on your CV (Degree Plus sessions).  

Work experience within your field is an essential part to getting noticed and I would recommend that at least 1 year is done (preferably 2nd and 3rd year)

Can you briefly describe the application process relevant to your position?
What interview questions were you asked?

The standard questions:
•  Tell us how you will improve our company?
•  What is one of your weaknesses?

Do you have any further helpful hints for students/graduates?

If you don't hear from the company after the interview, don't be afraid to check up on how things are going and remind them you are still interested in a position there.

I also contacted my company before they advertised for a job - which showed that I WANTED to work there, and I had the initiative to introduce myself to the company. I think it was this that made me stand out from the other applicants.