Commencing the Applied Aquaculture Degree Program at NMIT – a school leaver’s perspective

Course: Bachelor of Applied Aquaculture Degree

 

When Daniel Svozil was in the final stages of his secondary schooling, he had a fair idea of what career path he wanted to embark on, but it was one that his careers teacher was not terribly keen on.

The fields of marine biology and environmental science had fascinated Daniel for years, but the realities of a career in these areas began to weigh heavily on him. He was warned that if he wanted a career in the area of marine biology, he would have to be prepared for periods of unemployment since the number of graduates for these courses far outweighed the number of places actually available in the industry. As for a career in the environmental science sector, Daniel was told that he would end up either a researcher or as a pen-pushing administration officer. Daniel was advised that it was great to pursue an area of interest that provided enjoyment and job satisfaction, but he had to get into an industry where there was a job waiting at the end of the qualification to make it all worthwhile.

When it came to the new and emerging industry of aquaculture, there was a distinct lack of knowledge on the part of Daniel’s careers advisor who, again, warned him that he would be stepping into the great unknown.

Well, it is now two full years down the track since Daniel completed his secondary schooling, and he is adamant that he has made the right career choice.

"This is one of the best decisions that I have ever made," he says when asked about his thoughts on undertaking the Applied Aquaculture Degree Program at NMIT’s Epping campus.

Daniel is currently one of the most promising students in the program, and has enjoyed some very solid academic results since enrolling in the degree in 2007.

"There are many branches and segments to the aquaculture industry, so it is always going to be a field that keeps you interested," he says. "As the industry develops and expands, the job opportunities will arise, since suitably qualified people are required to staff the vacant positions."

As for the employment situation, that has already partly resolved itself even though Daniel is still completing the final year of his three year undergraduate degree. Through NMIT’s considerable links with industry, Daniel has been able to find casual employment at Mainstream Aquaculture in Werribee, a major barramundi farming operation that cultures the prized fish in recirculating water.

Though Mainstream Aquaculture has provided Daniel with valuable experience in the industry, he has no intention of confining his employment status to Victorian state borders, and realises that searching for his preferred job may take him far and wide.

"There are enormous opportunities opening up in countries that have well-established aquaculture industries, including the United States of America and Japan. Being able to go abroad and work in the aquaculture industry would be a great experience and one that I am keen to embark on at some stage in the future."

For Daniel Svozil, the world truly is his oyster.