Name: Joanne
Role Title: National Methyl Bromide Communications Officer 
Location: Institute for Horticultural Development, Knoxfield

Description of work undertaken: 
Joanne's job is to provide information to users of methyl bromide (a soil fumigant due to be phased out by 2005 under an International Agreement to protect the ozone layer) on their alternative options for soilborne disease control. She produces a newsletter bi-annually, writes articles for regional newspapers, and runs workshops with growers, government researchers and chemical companies. Joanne also assists with trial work and attends meetings to develop new Research & Development programs with industry to address their needs.

Team and / or individual role / responsibilities:
Joanne has many responsibilities including communicating research results, initiating and undertaking communication programs with the Australian horticultural industry. She coordinates research reports, liaises with funding bodies, maintains a knowledge of current soilborne disease practices, assists in identifying research & development needs of industry through liaison with key growers, chemical companies and others, and prepares funding submissions and track budgets.

Future? 
In the future, Joanne would like to continue working in the fields of communication and extension programs that provide growers and stakeholders with a sense of ownership in the program. She is also interested in encouraging participation in managing change, particularly rural communities.

BACKGROUND:
Grew up where? 
Joanne grew up in Melbourne but spent all her school holidays camping in the bush. This influenced her choice of an 'outdoor' career rather than a desk job. 

Course(s) studied: 
Tertiary /post secondary:
Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons.) LaTrobe University

Secondary: 
Science - Biology, Chemistry, Geography

Work experience: 
Part of Joanne's tertiary studies included twelve weeks farm experience. She worked on an organic vegetable farm, dairy farm and standard commercial vegetable farms. She also completed a wool classing certificate.

OPPORTUNITIES: 
Further study: 
Joanne completed a Certificate in Business Computing at Box Hill TAFE and is  currently enrolled in 'Teaching and Learning' Online course through Box Hill TAFE.

Learning on job, new skills, etc. 
Joanne has completed some internal training courses on facilitation, communication, presentation skills. DNRE is keen on developing staff skills through training.

Travel, etc.
Due to the National scope of the program Joanne has travelled fairly extensively in Australia to most states.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW: 
students up to Year 10
Joanne's advice is to enjoy yourself! Try as many different things as possible to get a broad range of experience in lots of different areas. Don't be too quick to decide.

VCE students 
Remember you will be more likely to change jobs than not - the average is six career changes in your life! So Joanne believes you should try a range of things, don't specialise too early, particularly if you're not sure what career interests you. Go to as many Uni Open Days as possible as they give you a great idea of the range of courses available.

Tertiary students
Try to get some work experience during summer holidays, even if it's poorly paid. It can sometimes rule out areas that you thought might be interesting. Talking to people currently employed in your field of interest can help and find out if there are professional bodies, such as the Institute of Ag Science, that you can join as a student member. They often have good mentoring programs that can continue after uni.

OTHER: 
What careers have other graduates from your course entered?
Marketing, Wheat Board, Agronomist, Sales (fertiliser companies), Extension officers, Journalists, Salinity management, Landscape gardening.