Graduate profiles
Jen Shiang Yap
Diploma in Innovation Management
Today, I brought 6 million lives into this world....Scienc
I didn't attend uni for a piece of paper so that I can work 9-5 for the rest of my life. Uni is about having a life, and learning how to live. I was accepted by UNSW and wanted to study biotechnology after changing from my initial choice of Engineering. I liked the idea of practical applications from science, and biotechnology is best known for this.
What attracted me to UNSW over other universities was that not only does it gather the smartest academics from around the world; it is also home to elites in many non-academic fields. UNSW has produced some of the best hip hop dance crews in Sydney, is home for the biggest and most active circus group in NSW (Circusoc) and has a club for almost every possible culture - just to name a few.
For a while I was worried I was going to spend my whole life stuck in a lab, perhaps with a mutated 7-legged test subject as my companion, until someone told me that scientists can become involved in business (a great deal easier than vice-versa). I was introduced to the Entrepreneurs in Science Unit and their Diploma in Innovation Management, which caters to aspiring science students who want much more in life than just test subject companions. Technology alone can only be worth so much, but with commercialisati
Three years after graduation, I'm an operations manager for an aquaculture establishment over-seeing 39 staff and 8 technical experts, producing 120 million prawn fries and generating nearly $50 million worth of prawns per year. UNSW gave me more than just a degree; it gave me a great start in life. Why settle for less when you can have the BEST!!.
Dan Berger
I am currently working for Davies Collison Cave Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, who specialise in advising and securing a broad, diverse range of intellectual property sources. As a trainee attorney within the Engineering/Sci
I chose UNSW for my studies because it had a reputation for being at the forefront of scientific education. At the time of my studies, it was the only university that offered a Bachelor of Science degree in Nanotechnology, which differentiated me from other prospective employees after graduation.
My UNSW degree has equipped me with a sound understanding of chemistry, physics, biochemistry, biophysics and material science. For my honours year, I studied the attachment of biomolecules to medical device surfaces.
I realised early on that since Nanotechnology can not be confined to a specific field of science there was a greater range of available career options. As the applications of Nanotechnology are rapidly expanding, there are also a range of opportunities outside the sphere of research, for example in providing support and advice to companies who are seeking to develop, commercialise or invest in nanotechnology products.
Andy Lee
UNSW has provided me with a variety of valuable opportunities throughout my degree and career. UNSW helped arrange my work experience with Qantas Networking when I was studying as an undergraduate student and provided me with support when seeking and applying for positions in the aviation industry. The knowledge and experience I gained from studying Aviation Management at UNSW has placed in me in the position I occupy today.
Thanks to the support from academics and my work experience as a Connectivity Analyst, I now work as an Operations Research Analyst at Sydney Airport. As a Research Analyst I am responsible for maximising the efficient use of existing resources and using modelling techniques to validate capacity forecasts. I made some really close friends when studying Science at UNSW. I am now back at UNSW undertaking a Masters in Science and Technology in Aviation Management.
David Bright
My new job is as a Research Fellow with the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre. Previously, I worked as a Forensic Psychologist within the NSW Department of Corrective Services. I was responsible for a team of forensic psychologists who managed the treatment program for custodial sex offenders.
I chose UNSW because of its very strong reputation in Science and specifically Psychology. One of the best aspects of my time at UNSW was the collegial atmosphere on campus and the support I received from both peers and friends I made during my time as a student.
My UNSW Psychology degree gave me a very firm grounding in the fundamentals of psychology theory. It also provided me with exposure to many of the specific areas within psychology (the discipline of psychology is extremely broad!) and therefore helped me make informed decisions about the areas of psychology in which I wanted to specialise.
I think my UNSW degree offers the edge over other psychology degrees because of its focus on experimental and research aspects of psychology. As both a researcher and as a clinician, I have benefited greatly from the 'scientist-prac
My UNSW qualification has allowed me flexibility in my career choices - I have worked in a range of areas including mental health, policing, the courts, gaols, and private practice. I have also been able to pursue a career in research (in particular via the completion of a PhD at UNSW) in addition to my career as a clinician which has been facilitated by the completion of a Forensic Masters (UNSW) degree.
David Kruss
I work as a Radiation Safety Officer - Process, at BHP Billiton's Olympic Dam mine in South Australia. I work on projects based around improving our radiation monitoring methods. I have always wanted to work in science (in particular physics) and undertaking a Science degree was the obvious way to go. Initially I was keen to go into an academic career, however all that changed when I was offered my current job which has put me on course to becoming a professional health physicist.
I chose UNSW because the School of Physics there had a great research reputation. One of the best aspects of studying at UNSW was that the academic staff were always approachable and willing to help.
UNSW allowed me to specialise in the field in which I am interested while also giving me the freedom to experience other areas of study in order to diversify my skill set. This diversity has given me an advantage in the wider workplace - communication skills, the ability to translate technical information into everyday language, teamwork and time management, all of which I use frequently in my role.
Linda Ong
Diploma in Innovation Management
I work for Bell Potter as a Research Analyst covering the Australian Stock Exchange-listed Life Science industry. I've also worked for eG Capital, a life science investment bank. I was always aware that UNSW had the best reputation, particularly for science. At school I remember UNSW were always key sponsors in the maths and science competitions. When studying for my degree I found some of the first year courses demanding as I was studying the 'generic' mathematics, physics and chemistry courses. Once first year was completed I began to see a clearer connection between what I was learning and my potential careers goals.
The Diploma in Innovation Management that I undertook also really added to my sense of what I wanted to do with my science degree as I was required to complete work experience in combined science, commercialisati
My science degree offered me so many skills - problem solving and decision making; written and verbal communication skills; time management; and the ability to summarise and condense complex data into information that a non-scientific audience can understand. Overall my degree and diploma introduced me to a professional network of individuals and peers in excellent career areas.
Advanced Science (Chemistry) / Arts (Public Policy)
Diploma in Innovation Management
My professional career has involved a number of roles, ranging from journalist and editor for the NSW Independent Education Union, freelance journalist for Medical Observer; and freelance editor, writer and proof reader for various magazines including COSMOS. My favourite subjects at school were chemistry and English, so when I was considering my options for university I sought one where I could combine my diverse interests.
UNSW offered me the widest range of subjects, and studying for a combined Science/Arts degree seemed the most obvious choice. Throughout my degree I continued to study a rich variety of subjects from Science and Arts. A major advantage of studying at UNSW was the way in which students are taught by mentorship. This provides students with opportunities to really get to know the academics and tutors. This mentorship also provided great support when I set about finding suitable employment at the end of my degree.
The skills I learned while studying at UNSW have been invaluable assets to my professional roles. These include practical skills, research skills, and library skills. In addition, learning to work with a wide range of people from all walks of life has been imperative.
Diploma in Innovation Management
I am currently working as a Territory Representative with Abbott Diabetes Care - a division of Abbott Laboratories, Australasia. I knew quite early on that I wanted to work in the health & medical industries and that it was important to have studied science at tertiary level to work in these industries. A big draw card for studying Science at UNSW was that I knew it was a prestigious university - well known in Australia and internationally
A great benefit about studying Science at UNSW was the friendships I made with other students as well as with my tutors and lecturers. The facilities at UNSW were really appealing; particularly the library for exam cramming and thesis research, and the grounds provided a balance between study and social life. Being close to the beach and the city made my social life a ball.
UNSW Science offered the Innovation Management Diploma through the Entrepreneurs in Science Unit which gave me that extra edge over others during my search for employment. It has always initiated conversation and a degree of interest with prospective employers, allowing me to demonstrate that not only do I have great undergraduate science qualifications but I also have the added bonus of understanding the commercial aspects of science research.
