With a schedule that includes working with the UNE SMART Region Incubator (SRI) as Space Manager, acting as an executive member of the Rural Science Undergraduate Society (RSUS) Committee, assisting as land crew for the Duval College Kayaking Club and enjoying the Sport UNE social volleyball comp with friends, balancing all of her commitments is key for Siobhan.
“I have always enjoyed a busy lifestyle. My family has very strong core values regarding community and hard work. So it's only natural that I found a job in Armidale which I believe lets me give back to both the university and wider community.
"As Space Manager in the SRI I am part of the team supporting small business founders to incubate and develop their ideas and assist them to become successful and contribute to a more sustainable, safe and harmonious Australia,” says Siobhan.
Through the SRI and her studies, Siobhan has also realised her desire to support the emerging agtech industry.
“My motivation to study agriculture was originally due to my love of working on the family farm, however, as I learn more I am becoming more interested in the specifics of the possible jobs that my degree could lead to," she said.
"This has led me to want to work towards creating a more sustainable future in which we can be sure of our food security, and I would also love to do anything I could to make this easier to achieve.”
Siobhan’s love for agriculture has only grown throughout her degree so far. When asked what the most enjoyable part of her studies was, she answered quite easily: “Getting to learn more about the field I love.”
“I am so interested in agriculture and love learning more about it and think it is such an important place to invest time and money to ensure the future of not only our country, but also the world.”
With such a clear passion and enthusiasm to get involved in every opportunity that comes her way, Siobhan has certainly had to work hard to ensure that her work, study and life balance are kept in check. From her own lived experience, Siobhan has offered four great pieces of advice to fellow on-campus students, or those considering on-campus study at UNE.
1. “Keep on top of it. A little bit every day is all you need to do – I find that if I can physically see the deadline looming, I am more likely to get the work done. This means I have two full year outline calendars, unit outlines with assessment dates and sticky notes with upcoming work that needs to be done all over my room.”
2. “Allow others to help you, there are support people for a reason. Utilise your academic mentors at college and ask questions of your lecturers in class. Talk to your family and friends if you are worried or if you just want to take some time out from study – a support network is there for you in the good times too, not just the bad.”
3. “Make the most of the opportunities that are given to you. Now is the best time to try new things because you have a great network to fall back on if you get it wrong. Plus if you want to try similar things later, outside of the college environment, they will be much less accessible.”
4. “Work, life balance is important. If you don’t take time out from your studies every so often to just do something you love – even if you love your degree – you will burn out. There are so many nice places to go around Armidale if you need a breath of fresh air: Dangar Falls, Ebor Falls, or the Armidale Arboretum just down the road.”
Find out more about studying Agriculture and Business, or living on campus at UNE.
