Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon

SP Rebecca Lawrence

Rebecca Lawrence completed her final year of high school in Denmark on exchange. Before she went she had been undecided about what to study at university, but while she was away Rebecca realised that she really missed the outdoors of New Zealand, and was really interested in finding out more about the natural environment. So when she came back to New Zealand she decided to study ecology at the University of Otago. She completed a BSc in Ecology with a minor in Statistics, and went on to do a Master's of Science (Ecology).

“I started work for Golder Associates, a Ground Engineering and Environmental Services company, as their Ecological Technician in January 2011. My job involved lots of field work, collecting and entering data and helping to write reports for clients. Usually Golders works for clients to enable them to meet their Resource Consent conditions. We look at freshwater rivers and streams, sometimes we'll be doing vegetation surveys or tracking NZ falcons, or even sampling from closed landfill sites – it's really varied!”

Rebecca really loved her Ecology studies, and says the range of possibilities is huge. Students can choose between a Zoology or Botany emphasis, or lean into Geography, or Marine Science – the statistics is really important as well, across all of those options.
“ We were always learning new things about animals and plants, and how they interact with each other and with us … we learned about the big processes in nature, and how particular species fit into that bigger picture. “

Rebecca says the fieldwork she did for her Master's was the best preparation for her current job – giving her experience with planning and organising field work, including the logistics of getting places and making sure she had everything she needed for the job, and undertaking her own independent research while also working as part of a team.

“Just being capable of doing the work by yourself, being comfortable on your own in remote locations – it was the best training I could have for what I do now.”

And the final word?

“I think, if anyone asked me for advice, I'd say follow your passion! Take the time to consider what you really want to do, then do it. I loved what I studied at University and I love my job… if you study something you're really keen on, you will most likely end up with a job you really enjoy, it makes sense!”

Back to top