Tian le Hanie – Agricultural Researcher
Since graduating Year 12 with your QCE, what have you been doing?
When I graduated high school, I wasn’t an Australian citizen, so I had to navigate my career path carefully, considering that immediate university enrolment would mean unaffordable international fees. So I worked on a cattle farm until I gained permanent residency, before completing a Bachelor of Economics and International Relations. But I couldn’t get away from my love for science, so returned to university a year after graduating to complete a Master of Agricultural Science. Through that 'career-change-before-I-even-had-a-career' I was fortunate to get a position at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) doing agricultural research. I couldn’t be any happier with where I am at in life.
What inspired you to work in agricultural research?
Covid lockdowns hit a few months after I completed my undergraduate degree, giving me time to reflect on where I wanted to go in life. This is when I committed to a future in science and returned to university to complete my post-graduate degree. My goals for the future haven’t changed from when I did my undergraduate degree: I still want to help improve the world — but through agricultural science instead of politics.
How did you decide what subjects to study in Years 11 and 12?
I really enjoyed science and knew that I wanted to pursue it after high school, so I let my passion determine what subjects I chose.
How do you maintain a healthy work life balance?
I got rid of social media and prioritised getting enough sleep. It’s important to understand that there is a time to work, a time to socialise and a time to rest. I don’t mix these up with one another.
What other advice do you have for senior students?
Don't feel pressured to go to university. If you're unsure about what you want to do, go and learn a trade.