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Discovering the diversity of agriculture

Love of science and want a hands-on career? Agriculture could be for you.

When a current agricultural science student visited Guilford Young College, it opened up a whole new world of possibilities for Lauren Rowlands.

When Lauren was in her final year of college, like a lot of school leavers, she was unsure what career path she would take.

“I was always changing my mind on what I wanted to do when I finished college. From vet science to medicine to law, but then one day a current agriculture student from the University came to our careers fair and spoke to us about the agricultural science degree.

“That was the first time I considered agriculture. Before that I thought you only did agriculture if you were going to get a family farm afterwards. 

Since enrolling in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science at the University of Tasmania, Lauren has discovered how diverse the agriculture industry is, and is excited by the range of careers on offer.

“If you have a love for science and you want a hands-on career then agricultural science could be for you.

I’ve always had a love for animals, but since beginning my degree at the University of Tasmania I’ve realised just how diverse the agriculture industry really is.

“I’ve found that I have been really interested in plant science and wine in particular.”

The Bachelor of Agricultural Science offers flexibility in the focus of your study. Students can tailor their studies throughout the degree, covering topics ranging from viticulture and entomology, to soil science or animal science.

In Lauren’s case, she was able to turn her interest in viticulture into an opportunity to spend time working with local industry.

“We are encouraged to undertake work experience, so I’ve been doing work in local vineyards and wineries over the summer.

The great thing is I’ve been able to apply what I have learnt in the classroom to my experience in the vineyard.

“The wine managers have even been quizzing me on what I know to see what I have learnt in my degree.”

Lauren says one of the great things about studying agricultural science is the friendly and supportive environment.

Everyone is really close in the degree. We are all meeting each other for lunch or going out and doing things outside of uni, because we’ve all had the chance to get to know each other through field trips, camps and classes.

“I’ve been surprised about the flexibility that the degree offers. While I’ve been studying, I’ve still had time to do part time work and see my friends outside of university.”

In 2016, Lauren was awarded the inaugural Blundstone Scholarship, worth $30,000 to support her studies.

“The scholarship will help pay for fees, petrol and textbooks, allowing me to direct my focus towards my studies, rather than worrying about these expenses.”

Lauren’s degree has set her up for an exciting career. Agriculture graduates are found all across the globe, in the government and private sectors working indoors, outdoors, in the lab and in the field.

I’ve really enjoyed all the hands-on experience we have received, from going on field trips and camps, to seeing all the different industries that we could all be a part of one day.

“I am really excited about the prospect of being able to work outside and travel around with a bachelor of agricultural science under my arm.

“If you are unsure about what you want to do when you leave college, but you know you love the outdoors and you love the diversity that a degree could give you in your career, then I would suggest picking agricultural science.”

The University of Tasmania offers two undergraduate bachelor degrees in agriculture. A four-year Bachelor of Agricultural Science or a three-year Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture and Business).