Tim McDougall

A decision to study Earth Sciences as a mature student after travel set Tim up for an exciting role as a geotechnical instrumentation specialist.

I was ready to see the world after high school and was unsure of a career direction, so I packed my bags and went travelling for four to five years. Eventually I had an epiphany and decided I wanted to study Earth Sciences and enrolled at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Based on my experience, if you are unsure of where your interests lie in terms of a career, it is OK to have a break and get a better understanding of yourself before starting a degree. It was challenging at first because I hadn't studied (or used my brain) for a long time, and I had never really applied myself at high school. At university I was surprised at how much I enjoyed learning and feeling great about completing assignments and reports.

While studying, I got a student job over the summer with a local engineering firm. Once I completed my degree, I moved into a role as a Geotechnical Technician with that company. This role involved management of small to medium sized projects; data collection, management, and reporting; and the installation and monitoring of geotechnical and environmental instrumentation. I think having some life experience, maturity, understanding the value of hard work, and appreciating I was in a role that aligned with my skills and values all served to help me to secure my full-time role.

The degree helped me to gain the roles I have had, from exploration geologist to my current role as a GeoHazard instrumentation specialist at GNS Science (GeoNet). I ensure the GeoNet Network meets its purpose of monitoring geological hazards in New Zealand. This involves monitoring earthquakes, volcanic activity, large landslides, tsunami and the slow deformation that precedes large earthquakes. In my role I need to do a lot of data analysis and consultation with end-users. I also go to some of New Zealand’s most remote locations, including Chatham, Raoul and Resolution Islands, to service existing sites and to select new ones. I still draw on some of my university learning every day in my work, especially technical and personal skills.