The NT inspired Kate to become an environmental scientist

Kate had been working in real estate for several years but was no longer enjoying it. The recent Bachelor of Environmental Science graduate switched to a career in environmental science after falling in love with the uniqueness of the Northern Territory on a holiday. 

“I desperately wanted to change my life but had no idea how to do it,” says Kate.

A year-long road trip around Australia would spark a new passion for the great outdoors. Kate loved watching the landscape change from place to place and learning about the local ecology from national parks and wildlife centres. 

“My interest piqued as soon as we entered the Northern Territory. I fell in love with the land instantly and wanted to learn more about how it worked.”

She began looking into the idea of a career in the environmental sciences. 

“With my newfound passion for the Northern Territory, my first stop was to look into the Territory’s own university. After investigating the courses on offer, I was further encouraged by the flexibility offered by CDU.”

Kate kept coming back to the Bachelor of Environmental Science. 

“I would read and re-read the study guide over and over again and started to dream of a life where this could be my career.”

No ATAR, no worries

“The one small obstacle was that I never completed high school,” she says.  

“Funnily enough, I had always wanted to attend university, even though I did not enjoy school. My lack of confidence held me back as I never thought I would be smart enough to complete a university degree.”

Kate discovered the range of bridging courses designed to help her gain the skills and knowledge required for higher education, as well as entry into her desired degree upon successful completion.

“CDU offered a Tertiary Enabling Program which was completely online and fee free! This seemed like a perfect way to dip my toe into the university world while we were still travelling.”

“Once I got into it, I was hooked,” she says.

“The lecturers were so supportive and CDU had a wealth of online resources for students. This course gave me the confidence to launch into my environmental science degree.”

Out in the field

Kate took advantage of the many out-of-classroom opportunities available in the Bachelor of Environmental Science. 

“I was fortunate enough to attend ecology trips to Kakadu, Alice Springs and K’gari (Fraser Island)."

“I also got to participate in STEM outreach programs at remote schools across the Northern Territory and assisted with a Women in STEM program for an Indigenous rangers group at CDU.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my entire learning experience at CDU. I am beyond grateful for all of these experiences." 

Now out in the world

A new graduate, Kate has already lined up a job where she can put her skills and knowledge to good use. 

“I always aspired to work within the mining industry upon completion,” she says. 

“While many people think this is counter-productive to protecting the environment, I believe that sometimes you have to be a part of the problem so that you can be a part of the solution.”

“Mining is a vital industry in our world and it is not going anywhere,” Kate explains. 

“Therefore, I would like to contribute to reducing the impact on the environment to produce better outcomes for everyone.”

As a mother of young children, working remotely in a FIFO role isn’t on the cards for now. Instead, Kate has accepted a role in the NT government’s mining division to get the best of both worlds – raising her children and having a fulfilling career. 

“I am certain the opportunities provided by CDU helped me gain this position.”

Ready to find a career you’re passionate about? The Bachelor of Environmental Science at Charles Darwin University is waiting for you.