Name: Eli
Role Title: Wool Industry Officer
Location:Ballarat

Description of work undertaken:
Eli works primarily with farmers (wool growers) in various regions of Victoria. Eli travels throughout Victoria visiting farms across the state. She meets a wide range of interesting people from many different backgrounds.

Team and / or individual role / responsibilities:
Eli conducts market research to find out how farmers can manage their farms more efficiently. This information is then used to help farmers improve their productivity.

Future?
Presently, Eli is unsure of her next step. However she believes there are many different career areas that would be fun to pursue. Eli believes that she will stay working in agriculture and with farmers, but is unsure what role she will have in the future.

BACKGROUND:
Grew up where?
Eli grew up in Melbourne and was always very interested in farming and enjoyed spending time working with livestock.

Course(s) studied:
Tertiary /post secondary:
Eli has completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture).

Secondary:
Eli believes that there were no related activities or subjects offered at her secondary college.

Work experience:
Eli worked as a Jillaroo in New South Wales when she left secondary school, and this inspired her to return to her studies and complete a Science degree.

OPPORTUNITIES:
Further study:
Eli is currently completing a Masters in Business Administration focussing on Management, Marketing and Finances.

Learning on job, new skills, etc.
Eli has access to a great deal of training through the DNRE and has participated in courses on Leadership, Rural Extension and Facilitation, as well as technical training in Livestock and Pastures.

Travel, etc.
Eli travels across Victoria and there are also opportunities to visit other states occasionally.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW:
students up to Year 10
Eli suggests that students should choose subjects wisely so future options can be broad as possible, and a range of part-time or holiday work will provide experience in various working environments.

VCE students
Eli suggests that students should think about what areas and skills they are good at and also enjoy. She believes that you spend a lot of your later life working, so it is important to do something that is enjoyable.