Corey Cutler’s love of agriculture began when he was just a child helping out on his grandfather’s beef farm, but it wasn’t until he got to high school that he knew it was something he wanted to as a serious profession.
“I applied for three degrees - a Bachelor of Agriculture, Bachelor of Agriculture/Business, and a Bachelor of Rural Science - and got accepted into all three, but my interest in the scientific background and mechanisms of agriculture ultimately led me down the path of Rural Science.”
Having discovered his calling at high school, Corey has become a strong advocate for promoting the wide range of career options on offer in agriculture to teens.
On Thursday 21 July he’ll be doing just that at the student-run UNE Farming Futures Expo. Corey has been selected as a student panellist to speak to the region’s high schoolers about his experience studying agriculture and the different pathways on offer.
He’ll be speaking alongside a number of accomplished UNE agricultural scientists and alumni, and says it will be a valuable opportunity to inspire the next generation of agriculturalists to pursue a career in the rural sector.
“Helping students to understand not only the importance of the industry, but the opportunities and rewards that are on offer is essential for the industry’s sustainability,” he says.
Image: Since starting his Rural Science degree at UNE, Corey Cutler's perception of the different career paths available in agriculture has changed. While he once thought a career in livestock was for him, he's now discovered an interest in agronomy.
“Altering the perception of agriculture that it’s just about being a farmer and opening people’s eyes to the vast array of career opportunities available is so important, and through this, students will be able to understand how the agricultural industry can enable them to meet their future goals and dreams.”
And what better role model for the high schoolers to have – during his time at UNE, the Honours student has been awarded the prestigious Cec Spence Memorial Country Scholarship, has landed internships with CSIRO, and spent two years as a UNE PASS Leader helping his peers achieve academic success.
It’s through these experiences that Corey has realised there is so much more to the agricultural industry than meets the eye.
“Coming into university, I was determined to pursue a career in livestock. Now, four years later, I’m about to accept a job as a broadacre junior agronomist,” he says.
“Overall, in terms of the Australian industry, studying has really opened my eyes to the interactions worldwide that impact the products we are growing and selling here in Australia.”
For those on the fence about pursuing a pathway in agriculture, he says to just “go for it.”
“There are always going to be jobs in agriculture, no matter where you go. With the fundamental yet broad knowledge you gain from ag, the flexibility in job choice that you have is virtually unlimited.
“My advice is to just go for it and do your best.”
You can find out more about the Farming Futures Expo here, and if you want to explore the wide variety of career options in agriculture, come along to the expo's Careers Fair at UNE’s Campbell Hall between 9am and 2pm (there will be a free barbecue lunch at 12pm). The Careers Fair is open to high schoolers and all UNE students.
