Katie Marsden didn’t grow up on a farm, and agriculture wasn’t always the career path she planned to follow.
But with less than a year remaining in her Bachelor of Agribusiness at UNE, the 21-year-old from Toowoomba knows she made the right choice.
Katie actually had offers to study both nursing and agribusiness, initially choosing nursing - but quickly realised her interests lay elsewhere.
“Although I grew up in the city, I have always had an interest in agriculture,” says Katie, who spent her gap year working on a cattle station in northern Queensland.
“After one trimester (in nursing), I quickly realised that agribusiness was for me and made the change.”
Discovering the industry
It’s a decision that has opened Katie’s eyes to the breadth of an industry she once knew relatively little about.
“I now realise just how diverse the range of potential job options really are in the industry. It is actually hard to choose which path to take.”
Not growing up in an agricultural environment has sometimes presented challenges, though. While some of her classmates arrived at UNE with years of experience on farms, Katie has had to build much of her agricultural knowledge from scratch.
“Everything is new to me - but that’s okay, as I am passionate about it and willing to ask if I don’t know.”
Real-world learning
Katie especially enjoys seeing what she learns in class connected to real-world situations, as well as being surrounded by people who share her enthusiasm for the industry.
“Everyone who is interested in the ag industry is so passionate about it,” she says.
“This makes it an exciting industry to be becoming a part of, as it is so widely growing, especially for females.”
Making the most of uni life
Katie combines online and on-campus study, choosing subjects with weekly practical components for on-campus study, while completing others online.
“I love doing hybrid studies, as it gives me a lot more flexibility,” she says.
“It feels like I have more time in the week, when I’ve got two on-campus units and two online.”
That flexibility also helps Katie make the most of uni life. She is vice-president of the St Albert’s College Netball Committee and a Residential Leader, and enjoys netball, running and other sports.
“College life is something that you need to just make the most of, as you’re not there for long,” she says.
“It is such a great way to meet people and be with friends. Organisation is key, especially around assessment periods.”
What’s next?
After graduating, Katie hopes to begin her career with a large agribusiness where she can learn the ropes; agricultural banking is one possibility. Eventually, she’d like to own her own business.
Having already changed direction herself, Katie’s advice to other students is simple: “You need to follow your heart and study what you are truly interested in. It is okay to make a change.”
