Testing the waters

Often it’s hard to know whether you’ve chosen the right career path. But it’s a whole lot easier when you get to test the waters first.

Hannah Jones has been able to do just that. A University of Newcastle Industry Scholarship Scheme (UNISS) recipient, Hannah has been given the opportunity to immerse herself in industry experience while studying for her degree in environmental engineering.

UNISS, a partnership between the University and an industry sponsor, provides students with invaluable industry experience during their studies. Hannah’s sponsor is Hunter Water. Providing water and wastewater services to over half-a-million people in the lower Hunter region, it was the perfect place for Hannah to take the plunge.

"Working at Hunter Water has been great. I now know exactly what I am getting into as an environmental engineer. Getting this sort of professional development while I’m still at uni is a real confidence booster."

In her role as a Network Operations Student Engineer, she’s not just given little tasks to keep her occupied. Hannah has real jobs, responsibilities and contractors to look after and is often up to her neck in critical tasks. Like when there is an unexpected power outage at one of their pumping stations.

Hannah is the one who has to dive in and get the station back up and running. "Things pop up and you go ok, drop everything. This is what’s happening and we need to fix it. It’s great – it really puts you to the test." Hannah, no longer wet behind the ears, is now crystal clear about her future career – all thanks to Hunter Water and the UNISS program.

Since 1998 UNISS has provided over 260 students with an opportunity to test the waters across many different industries. Graduating as career-ready professionals they are highly regarded and keenly sought after by employers.

Portrait of Hannah Jones was taken by Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) student, Katrina Coleman.