Profile: Martha Rees

Graduate of Resource and Environmental Science (Hons)

Martha Rees in the field  

I chose to study environmental science because of my passion for the environment and a drive to make a difference. Studying a Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Science at UC both fostered that passion and gave me opportunities to begin working in my dream career.

Having previously studied at a much larger university, I appreciated small class sizes and opportunities to develop relationships with lecturers and tutors. I found staff members to be helpful and encouraging and was continually inspired by their enthusiasm and dedication to their work.

 Martha Rees in the field

I particularly liked the practical focus of my degree; it was not all about sitting in classrooms but involved getting outdoors and gaining hands-on experience. There were countless opportunities to gain further experience through casual or volunteer work within the university, or to undertake further study.

During my honours year I worked as part of an environmental research team and gained skills and confidence that have been invaluable in my career. I still maintain connections with a large network of people met during that year; people who I continue to contact both professionally and socially.

Canberra is a nice place to live and an easy place to undertake study. The UC campus is easy to get around and offers a range of facilities and activities that are affordable for students. There is also good public transport and bike paths to and from the university.

I am now happily working as an Environmental Scientist / Ecologist for an international consulting company, AECOM. I found this job through connections made at UC and was hired before even finishing my studies. Skills I developed during my degree are directly relevant to my job, which made the transition between study and full-time work an easy one for me.