Meet our graduates
Meet some of our recent graduates ...
Surveying graduates
Graduate – Philip Braccia – Surveyor
What positions have you had since graduating?
Dimensional Control Surveyor, Fugro Spatial Solutions
What does your current position involve?
Surveying of the fabrication of piping routes, construction of jackets and offshore platforms mainly for the offshore industry at the present time. The service we provide allows checking and setout to 1 mm or less accuracy.
What aspects of the job do you enjoy?
Challenge, and there is room for expanding and improving the processing side of the data. This includes the new techniques of surveying as well for example, the terrestrial laser scanner. Also, the travel is good from the north-west shelf to Beijing, China and Uslan in South Korea.
What don't you enjoy?
Trips away from home that seem to drag on for too long.
Would you recommend a career in Surveying to anyone and why?
Yes, it allows people to work in a very diverse industry.
Would you recommend the course at Curtin to someone else and why?
The Curtin surveying course is well structured and staff are very knowledgeable about the units they are teaching.
Graduate – Shane Head – Surveyor
What positions have you had since graduating?
Underground mine surveyor
What does your current position involve?
- establishing and maintaining all underground survey control
- correct recording, processing and reporting of survey results
- maintaining and preparing work plans
- marking up development heads
- maintaining survey equipment
What aspects of the job do you enjoy?
Good working environment and plenty of free time.
What don’t you enjoy?
I have to work every second weekend.
Would you recommend a career in Surveying to anyone and why?
Yes, it is a great job, using mostly mathematical logic and communication skills.
Would you recommend the course at Curtin to someone else and why?
Yes, it was well structured and defined and has a low student/teacher ratio in most classes, meaning more individual attention for students.
Graduate – Aaron Hoskin – Surveyor
What positions have you had since graduating?
Graduate Surveyor for Henry Walker Eltins at an open pit mine in the Pilbara on a fly-in, fly-out basis.
What does your current position involve?
Predominately RTK GPS work. It includes marking out drill patterns and ore blocks, and survey pickup for drill depths and End of Month volumes.
What aspects of the job do you enjoy?
The job combines both office work and active outdoors work.
What don't you enjoy?
All the dust in the pit.
Would you recommend a career in Surveying to anyone and why?
Surveying is a good career to get out and about and to travel to different and remote places. However it can often lead to time away from your place of residence – which you must be prepared for to some degree.
Would you recommend the course at Curtin to someone else and why?
It is not a bad comprehensive course.
GIScience graduates
Graduate - Akeal Hayek - Spatial Analyst
What positions have you had since graduating?
Very soon after my final exam, I started working as a full-time ‘GIS Operator' with Gaia Resources, which has a huge environmental edge to all the GIS work there. Before graduating I decided to get my experience up so I could have a smoother transition straight into a professional role by the time I had graduated. In my final year of the degree I worked as a GIS Officer with the Department of Indigenous Affairs, and then I worked at Uni tutoring first year students, and then I worked with Whelans in a more survey CAD type role.
What does your current position involve?
Oh, I do heaps of different things. Let's see…. spatial analysis , the real stuff; not many places at all are flexible enough to get you straight into the deep end with that, which to me is a core part of GIS. Currently I'm involved in locating a few endangered flora species which can potentially earn our clients a billion dollars (if I find anything!).
I also do a lot of systems management of an ongoing data capture project (basically getting old school environmental reports and turning them into digital GIS datasets), helping to keep the system processes up to date as the company expands, integrating data, checking it, and I always enjoy doing some old fashioned data capture myself. I also do a lot of computer science work, such as programming to develop tools which make life that much easier, and creating and developing spatially enabled databases using different operating systems; and I'm also helping out in getting our GIS software to connect and feed straight to these databases on our servers, by using open-source software only.
I am also closely involved in mobile GIS, where we are beginning to get botanists to map flora and fauna data using GPS as they see it in real time, turning their field-work into GIS datasets on the fly (and saving paper). I'm also working with bat detecting equipment, making them work, making sure downloaded data is acceptable, then sending all that acoustic information off to an expert to make sense of it; all bats are the same to me!
What aspects of the job do you enjoy?
The variety. That's the major thing for me. I can get bored easily, so if my brain isn't stimulated then I'm not a productive worker. No two projects are ever the same, so problems have to be solved dynamically for nearly every situation. That means with this job I'm always being challenged with new ideas and problems, which is great because I'm not turning into a zombie.
I also love the fact that I can wear whatever I want to our office, which gives the working environment a much more casual feel to it.
What don't you enjoy?
Being a professional means you have to do what is in the best interests of your client, so if they like things to be done a certain way, then you have to do what they want whether you agree with them or not. I'm also still getting used to the fact that I have to work five days a week, so my weekends are pretty full doing everything else.
Would you recommend a career in GIScience to anyone and why?
Yeah definitely. It is not a boring career and it keeps you interested. The pay is good for a graduate, and it only goes up as you get more experienced. There is such a diverse range of work that you can get into with the different disciplines that have overlapped with GIS. Look at me, I'm doing GIS, but at the same time I'm also learning much about the environment (I have even learnt a few scientific names of our native flora and fauna).
Would you recommend the course at Curtin to someone else and why?
I personally think the GIS course at Curtin has got to be one of the best out there; it successfully combines many fields that make it a very well-rounded GIS course, and at the end of the day you want to get into the industry and be a competent worker. It doesn't just come from a humanities/geography background, but it also integrates analysis, problem solving, computer science, a strong spatial understanding and most importantly, it remains current to the industry trends.
The lecturers are literally experts, and they are very helpful people too. You will find that with the convergence of several fields, this course will require you to use most, if not all, of your mental faculties. There is a lot to learn if you are up to the challenge.
Graduate - Bridget Khuwa - GIS Administrator/Cartographer
What positions have you had since graduating?
When I graduated from my first degree (BSc Cartography) I did a part time job with the Department of Public Health at Curtin University. After that, I worked with Rio Tinto for a little while. I am now with Agnew Gold Mine and I don't think I will be moving anywhere else anytime soon.
What does your current position involve?
Lots of great stuff. I provide both GIS and cartography support to the whole mine site. I ensure the integrity and currency of the spatial data. This is a bit of what I do:
- data capture
- create plans for underground mining (e.g. emergency plans, mining instruction sheets, and stoping plans)
- update datasets (e.g. tenements, heritage sites)
- produce web maps and also maintain our intranet site
- database administration
What aspects of the job do you enjoy?
My job is fly-in and fly-out (8/6) Leinster/Perth, so I get to have six days off work every fortnight. It is a great experience working in a mine site. The job has exposed me to various applications of GIS and cartography in the mining industry. I am using various datasets and software and that just broadens my knowledge. It is great to realise the integration of GIS and other disciplines such as mine engineering and geology.
What don't you enjoy?
Early starts! I have to be out of bed by 5am. The compensation for that is six days off work, which is GREAT!
Would you recommend a career in GIS to anyone and why?
Definitely! GIS has broad applications. I believe every organisation has a place for GIS because most, if not all companies deal with data that needs analysing, storing and displaying in an effective way. That's where GIS comes in!
Would you recommend the course at Curtin to someone else and why?
If they are up for a great challenge, yes. If they are up to experiencing their capabilities to the limit, then Curtin is the place to be!
Graduate – Patrick Fitzgerald – Geospatial Project Officer
What GIS positions have you had since graduating or during your course of study?
- Spatial Programmer. My initial GIS position was as a “spatial programmer” where I worked under the guidance of Dr. Serryn Eagleson. Serryn's work was investigating the ability of GIS to detect disease outbreaks. My tasks included data queries based on time series analysis with the results formatted to be used by other analysis programs. Values were also written to shape files for display.
- Geosamba Software Development. My next position was working in a GIS software development team, iintegrate, who are a subsidiary of the company of NGIS Australia. The iintegrate team developed Geosamba, a GIS software tool with a focus on business flow. I worked as a tester and also in a prototype design.
What does your current position involve?
My current position is as a Geospatial Project Officer at Landgate. In this position I work with various web mapping applications to provide prototypes for potential clients. As a result I am fortunate enough to be able to investigate and keep up with the latest developments in GIS web mapping. My tasks are not restricted to web mapping and prototypes but also include spatial analysis, design, testing and consulting to other sectors at Landgate on GIS and web mapping.
What aspects of the job do you enjoy?
The most enjoyable part of the job is working with WMS and WFS open source standards to customise generic mapping software for specific applications. The end result is a visually appealing and fully interactive map that brings together data from various formats and locations to provide an easy to use information tool for the user. Another enjoyable aspects is being up to date with the latest developments in the world of web GIS.
Would you recommend a career in GIS to anyone and why?
I would recommend a career in GIS due to the wide ranges of possibilities GIS provides. Since the introduction of Google Earth, spatial information has increased the awareness of the general public and data providers to the abilities of GIS to communicate information. Thus, an increasing amount of business applications require spatial professionals to best disseminate this information to the general public. In addition to the various applications that can be pursued by the spatial professional, the ability to travel and work in countries around the world exists.
Would you recommend the course at Curtin to someone else and why?
I would recommend the course at Curtin due to the host of teachers and lecturers who are experts in their field and the study flexibility that is provided. Also, the course at Curtin is continually changing to best meet the needs of industry and the latest developments in GIS. The result is a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of GIS, with the course the ideal environment to meet current and future spatial science professionals, providing a smooth transition to a career in the GIS industry.
Graduate - Michelle Crean – GIS Analyst
What GIS positions have you had since graduating?
Lots! I've worked in a variety of GIS roles for different organisations in Perth , Canberra and London . They've included the Department of Water, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, Environment Australia, Ecowise Environmental, BAE Systems and I am currently working for the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection (DOCEP).
What does your current position involve?
I am responsible for setting up the GIS system for the Resources Safety Division of DOCEP. This has involved the design and implementation of a GIS system to support spatial data capture, GIS analysis and access to spatial information across the Division.
What aspects of the job do you enjoy?
I enjoy working autonomously and starting a 'fresh' GIS, where I have total control over how the system is designed and implemented. The job is varied, where I have the chance to undertake map creation, GIS analysis, data capture, GIS modelling and some coding. I also enjoy introducing GIS into an organisation that has had limited exposure to it in the past.
What don't you enjoy?
I sometimes feel a bit isolated working on my own in GIS, but I've recently employed two staff which has helped.
Would you recommend a career in GIS to anyone and why?
Definitely. There's currently loads of varied work around. GIS is becoming a diverse field where people can specialise in GIS analysis, image processing, programming, project coordination, system design, database management, etc. However, the field is still pretty small, and particularly in WA there is a real sense of community in the spatial field.
Graduate – Drew France – GIS Analyst
What positions have you had since graduating?
Survey Assistant, Cartographic Draftsman, Photogrammetric Draftsman, GIS Technical Assistant, CAD & GIS Officer (UK), GIS Project Development Manager (UK), Coordinator of GIS & IT Services, and GIS Analyst (current role), not to mention "Parcel Delivery Assistant" to help me survive my working holiday in London!
What does your current position involve?
- implementing new features on, and maintaining the local Council's GIS
- coordinating Council's spatial data
- training employees in GIS
- implementing and maintaining Council's replacement Internet mapping software
- implementing other projects that have a spatial data component
- creating customised maps for internal customers
- liaising with internal business units about spatial data
What aspects of the job do you enjoy?
One of the great things about working in Local Government is the freedom to try different and new things with spatial data. People are always suggesting improvements and alternative uses for GIS and it is a good challenge to investigate the possibility of implementing their suggestions. It is quite fulfilling to implement their suggestions and find that a lot of other people find it useful as well. It's also good to raise people's awareness of GIS, how powerful it is, and how it can help with their roles.
What don't you enjoy?
Mondays
Cartography graduates
Graduate – Rachel Wales – Spatial Information Officer
What positions have you had since graduating?
I started working at Landgate in 2002 as a Cartographic Officer drafting Conversion Plans. I then became a Spatial Information Officer auditing new subdivisional Deposited Plans. I am currently a Senior Spatial Information Officer. I have worked as a Training Officer writing training modules and have also acted as Team Leader.
What does your current position involve?
- lodgement of new subdivisional surveys within SmartPlan, Landgate's Spatial Cadastral Database.
- audit of new subdivisional surveys
- writing of training units and the training of new and existing staff
- providing demonstrations to national and international visitors
- providing survey advice to internal and external customers
What aspects of the job do you enjoy?
- being able to work with historic and new spatial information over a large state
- being able to work with a world class Land Information System that is constantly being improved
- friendly colleagues
- the opportunity to be part of different spatial projects when they arise
- the encouragement I get when desiring to increase my knowledge and skills, through courses, workshops, conferences, etc.
- meeting and demonstrating my work to national and international visitors interested in our Land Information System
- my input is encouraged and listened to
What don't you enjoy?
The amount of work can vary due to fluctuations in the housing market; this can cause a small amount of stress at times.
Would you recommend a career in Cartography to anyone and why?
Yes. I think cartography allows people to combine a creative, artistic nature with an interest in computers, maths and new technologies. It also allows you to develop problem solving skills when coming up with solutions to spatial challenges. Spatial information in all formats is gaining increasing interest from people in all aspects of their life. Different and useful ways of depicting this information is constantly being developed as technologies improve. I think it is an extremely interesting time to gain a career in the spatial sciences.
Would you recommend the course at Curtin to someone else and why?
Yes. It was well structured giving a variety of subjects in all areas of spatial information. There are many different pathways you can go down in the spatial science arena. This wide knowledge base is very important in allowing a full understanding of what is available in the industry.