Like all Bachelor of Agricultural Science graduates at the University of Tasmania, former student Oliver Gales, had a wide range of career options in front of him.
“I chose agricultural science thinking that I appreciated how diverse the career opportunities were but once I graduated and saw how my cohort dispersed around Tasmania and around the world I truly appreciated just how diverse it can be,” he said.
The 2019 graduate works for the Federal Government in the Department of Climate Change as a climate negotiator.
“From me going overseas to work with climate change and climate negotiation to some of my colleagues working in Tassie in the agricultural industry here, I’ve realised it’s not a degree that limits you in any way.”
“Probably one of the biggest challenges of doing ag science is trying to narrow it down to what you do want to do when you finish.”
It’s estimated there are six jobs to every agricultural science graduate in Australia.
Mr Gales spoke of his experience working in the agriculture sector during an Agricultural Science Careers Forum at the University of Tasmania in Hobart on August 30, which was hosted by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture.
It provided an opportunity for Bachelor of Agricultural Science students to connect with industry and consider the many career opportunities available to them.
The event gave students a chance to meet with industry and local businesses to discuss a variety of careers on offer in the agriculture sector. It also gives industry a chance to connect with students who are considering their future careers.
“My advice to anyone studying ag science is to dream and to dream big because I really think the amount of opportunities out there are limitless,” Mr Gales said.
“Your career can be whatever you want it to be. Whether you want to stay in Tassie in the agricultural industry or want to head overseas and work in the multi-lateral UN system there are opportunities there for everyone.”
Associate Head of Learning and Teaching at TIA, Professor Alistair Gracie, said the event benefited both students and employers.
“This was a great chance for future employers and employees to network and explore options for careers after graduation and also casual jobs during the Summer break where students can get a taster for different industries,” Professor Gracie said.
“It’s so beneficial to students who are considering their future career journeys and they’re often surprised by the variety of jobs that are available in the agriculture sector.”
“I think a careers forum such as this is invaluable because it connects some dots and creates some opportunities for discussion and networking.”
Professor Gracie said students who graduate from the University with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science have rewarding careers.
“Our graduates are in high demand and students studying our bachelor of agricultural science usually have job offers before they graduate. It’s estimated by the Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture that there are six jobs Australia-wide for every graduate.”
The Bachelor of Agricultural Science offers a diversity of career paths and opportunities. It can lead to a range of careers in the private, government and non-government sectors not only on farms, but in scientific research, business, policy and regulation.
“There are so many jobs out there in different sorts of roles that we often don’t think about where our graduates are in demand,” Professor Gracie said.
There’s more than $250,000 in scholarships available each year for agricultural science students and numerous opportunities to interact with industry through field trips, industry placements, and industry-supported honours research projects.