Jake started thinking about his career pathway in Year 10 - he loved ‘Hamish & Andy’ and the sports journalist, Gerard Whateley. He studied Years 11/12 at Kardinia College, Geelong, and he enjoyed environmental science, where he had the opportunity to examine the ecosystem at Mt Rothwell and the Barwon River. He was even better at English and went to Deakin University and studied a Bachelor of Communications and PR. Jake wanted to balance his life and at Uni only spent 8-10 hours of lectures per week, which allowed him more personal time - much needed after all the hours of study spent in Year 12. He was also able to do some work but mainly enjoyed his free time with mates. Jake has the view ‘Any experience is a good experience’ and he worked hard during his uni course, even though it did not lead directly towards his ultimate career.
Jake undertook an internship at Geelong Football Club, and he still has a casual job with them, writing articles and social media posts. He also went to Malaysia for 2 months and he and his peers enjoyed the different culture and experiences that international travel provides. During COVID restrictions, he gained employment at Coles and a photo framing business and a marketing business but he wasn’t motivated by the money involved in marketing. It just ‘wasn’t him.’
Inspired by his experiences in the Northern Territory, his grandparents dairy farm in Irrewillipe and his enjoyment of an outside life he studied a Graduate Diploma in Environment, eventually finding a role as a Communications Officer with CCMA. He was motivated and passionate about the various work offered with the CCMA including farmers involved in Landcare, working with volunteers regarding Biodiversity in waterways and examining plants of salt marshes.
Jake wasn't planning on working in comms for an environmental group but recognises the need to ensure that communication is correct regarding what is happening to the environment, especially as digital media grows. Correct information is everything!
Jake wants to help create sustainable farming opportunities so farmers can know how to best care for small farms, particularly with the support of Landcare and the CCMA who encouraging women to be involved in agriculture and Landcare. He loves helping farmers and waterways, and knows that it will make a difference to Victoria’s landscape and climate change. Jake is enjoying learning more about indigenous land management, ‘cool burning’ and recognises the need for good soil health.
Jake advised students that finishing school provided the freedom to get to understand what they liked and advised that students shouldn’t put pressure on themselves. When asked, the students recalled Jake’s great advice to ‘not stress’, be open-minded and don’t rely on your degree!
-Fiona Mackenzie and Katherine Fox