Having landed herself a plum role as a graduate agronomist with the agribusiness Landmark in Queensland, Ms Candice Robinson is looking forward to coming home and savouring every moment of her graduation from Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga.

 

Ms Robinson, who grew up at Whitton in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, is now working at Landmark’s Pittsworth branch in the Darling Downs of southern Queensland. Over the summer, she will be getting plenty of experience with cotton and next year, her focus will change to winter crops.

 

She is one of six students to graduate from the four-year Bachelor of Agricultural Science during a ceremony at CSU in Wagga Wagga from 3pm on Monday 10 December. (Further highlights of the five graduation ceremonies at CSU in Wagga Wagga from Monday 10 December to Wednesday 12 December can be found here.)

 

Lecturer with the School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences at CSU in Wagga Wagga Ms Caroline Love said, “Candice and five peers are only the second group of graduates to complete the new four-year program, which includes an important year of work placements.

 

“The agricultural science students benefit from the additional year by trying out different career options, and testing their core science skills in the workplace in a supported environment through a mentor.

 

“Significantly, these graduates have had the opportunity to build a support network in the agricultural sector and gain insights into the workplace few others would have so early in their career.

 

“They are then able to move more confidently into their chosen fields and remain in the agricultural sector for longer. The career options range from agronomy to livestock, agri-banking and finance, and extension or consultancy.”

 

A key advocate for more university qualified agricultural professionals is CSU Professor of Agriculture Jim Pratley. His research has shown an alarming decline in agricultural graduates in Australia.

 

“The calibre of these agricultural science graduates from Charles Sturt University and the support they receive from industry shows it is a very worthy career to pursue and invest in,” Professor Pratley said. Read more about Professor Pratley on CSU News here.

 

Meanwhile, Ms Robinson said it is an exciting time to embark on a career in agronomy.

 

“The job prospects at the moment for agricultural science graduates are good,” she said.

 

“I applied for a couple of positions but was lucky enough to gain employment with Landmark following my work placement. My experience of finding employment after university was relatively simple and stress-free.”

 

Ms Robinson said the CSU degree demonstrates the many opportunities for graduates in agriculture.

 

“There are many pathways that can be chosen for a career in agriculture. The range of job options in this course makes it very attractive.”

 

A total of 1 095 graduates and 3 079 guests are expected to attend five ceremonies from 9.30am Monday 10 December to 9.30am Wednesday 12 December in Joyes Hall, Pine Gully Road, CSU in Wagga Wagga. Further highlights of the five graduation ceremonies can be found here.