Graduate Profile - Environmental Health

Name: Kimberley Pearson
Degree Awarded: Bachelor Environmental Health
Position Gained: Environmental Health Officer
Organisation: City of Port Lincoln
Commencement Date: 14th April 2003

Could you give us a description of what your position involves?

I undertake inspection of premises under the Food Act 2001, Public and Environmental Health Act 1987, Local Govt. Act 1999, Supported Residential Facilities Act 1992.

I also coordinate the School Immunisation Program for the City of Port Lincoln. I investigate communicable diseases outbreaks such as food poisonings. I investigate noise complaints for the EPA and approve septic tank systems for new housing projects.

Have the skills you developed at university been an important part of your job? (Have you, or are you planning to undertake further study?)

My understanding of the previously mentioned acts have definitely benefited from my university course. I have also gained research and investigative skills from my time as a student. My report writing skills were also fine tuned through attending university and I have made a lot of valuable contacts as a result of studying.

As for future study I think that I will definitely consider further study in order to achieve my goals and ambitions.

At what stage during your studies did you begin to think about employment choices and options?

I started to think about my future and possible job opportunities in my final year of my degree.

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

I think students need to be very pro active in seeking employment. Don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Seek them out. Don't be disheartened if you get a couple of knock backs, job interviews are a learning experience. So get out there and promote your self and your skills.

Many employers presenting employment information sessions have commented on the importance of students undertaking extra curricular activities during their time at university. Could you comment on this?

I think it is important for students especially in the final year to think about possibly doing work experience or volunteer work in the field that you are studying. This shows employers that you are very keen and enthusiastic.

How did you go about finding graduate employment?

I looked in the usual places such as papers and websites, however a lot of my type of jobs are filled by word of mouth. This is why work experience or volunteer work is a good idea. I was actually approached by a couple of local councils including Port Lincoln to apply for the position. The fact that I had completed my degree meant that I had the qualifications for my position put me on the top of the employers’ list.

Can you briefly describe the application process relevant to your position?

For my position the job is usually advertised internally and then externally. Generally you send a resume and are granted an interview with the people in the head of the dept. You may have to sit a general mathematics or grammar test as well depending on the employer.

What did you do to prepare for the interview? What questions were you asked?

To prepare for an interview, I usually have a look at the council or company website and try to find some information regarding the environmental health of the area. I also write down the answers to some common questions such as ' What strengths or weaknesses do you have? " or " How do you handle Conflict ? ". Basically try and sell yourself.

Do you have any further helpful hints for graduates?

I think for anyone looking for work after graduating, keep positive and keep trying. If possible do some work experience and sell yourself to employers.