Overview
Casey completed a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) in 2015 at Burwood Campus. Casey always wanted to work with animals, and it took a great deal of determination and persistence to get her role at Wildlife Alliance.
Interview
Can you tell us about your time at Deakin? Is there anything you especially remember?
I loved the degree and my time at Deakin! Two things particularly stood out to me; the amazing field trips and also the teaching staff. Most teaching staff were incredibly supportive and their passion for their work was clearly evident.
What has been your journey since finishing your course? Briefly outline your career path prior to your current role.
Initially when I completed my degree I remained working in the same industry I had been throughout the degree, WorkCover, while also working casually as a vet nurse. Eventually I obtained a part time role with Wildlife Victoria in their call centre and increased my hours vet nursing to also be part-time. I moved to Cambodia in February of 2017 and began volunteering with Free the Bears and after six months secured my current role with Wildlife Alliance.
What has been the biggest influence on your career?
Tough question! To date, the move to Cambodia! Followed closely by my parents.
Have you always wanted to pursue the kind of career you have embarked on? If so, when and how did you realise?
Yes, to some extent. I have known since I was a child growing up on a farm in rural Victoria that I always wanted to work with animals, and not domestic ones. Over the years though that passion has evolved into what it is today, Wildlife Conservation.
What advice would you give graduates wanting to pursue a similar profession?
Don’t give up! It is a very competitive field currently to find work in, and whilst there are boundless volunteering opportunities, paid positions can be few and far between. My journey was long but the reward was well worth the wait!
What do you believe Deakin University has shown you/given you as a person?
When I first finished high school I enrolled in a different degree, similar but not quite the same, at a different university. I hated it and only lasted one semester and it put me off going to university altogether. After many years I realised to get where I wanted to go I was going to have to undertake further education. I was nervous, I was scared of trying university again, but Deakin washed all of those fears away and I realised how much I could excel at university in a degree I truly enjoyed and loved. Deakin not only gave me a world class qualification but an education that is applicable in my everyday life and it restored my confidence in myself and my abilities.
What are your passions outside your work?
Travel, reading, food!
How would someone describe you?
Adaptable, takes initiative, resourceful and passionate,
Is there any advice you would give to a person who is starting out in your career?
Everyone says it, volunteer! The more experience you have the better, it helps you figure out what you’re looking for and in the right places it can lead to a paid position. Also practice patience and resilience!