Student Highlights
Gaining experience before graduation
Bachelor of Development Studies student, Lucy Sheppard, is keen to complete her studies and work in the sustainability sector with a focus on equitable food systems.
To best prepare herself for the workforce, Lucy chose to complete a Work Integrated Learning course as part of her Development Studies degree.
“I decided to undertake a work integrated learning course as I wanted to have experience in a workplace.
“Although I loved learning about the theories and content in other courses, I wanted to experience how these theories are applied in a workplace,” she said.
Lucy completed two work placements as part of this course, working with both Feedback Farms, previously known as Feedback Organic Recovery, and the Newcastle Office of The Wilderness Society.
Founded by David Sivyer in 2013, Feedback Organic grew from the idea of closing the food waste loop.
Today, Feedback Organic has grown into a not for profit that converts food waste from hospitality venues into produce and runs behaviour change programs that champion circular urban agriculture.
“Working with Feedback Farms, my role was to collect compost from homes and businesses across Newcastle that would then get turned into soil for vegetables to grow in. I then harvested this product and packed it into boxes for customers.
“I gained valuable experience in working with a community centred business as well as growing food from compost,” Lucy said.
The Wilderness Society, which was originally formed in 1976 to help save the Franklin River, works to support the living world.
Recently, they successfully advocated for the creation of Australia’s largest National Park, the Munga-Thirri—Simpson Desert.
“At The Wilderness Society, my role was to assist the Community Organiser in recruiting volunteers, organising community events and developing content for volunteers.
“I also worked on a Lake Macquarie City Council fact sheet for volunteers to gain a greater understanding of local politics,” Lucy said.
In this role, Lucy gained experience in effective communication and organisation skills and feels like she is now more employable.
“I am grateful for the invaluable opportunities each placement gave me.
“I feel significantly more confident in entering the workplace and collaborating with others in a workplace environment.
“Undertaking this work placement has definitely made me more employable as I have continued to work as a volunteer with The Wilderness Society and have been a customer to Feedback Farms which has both allowed me to maintain relationships with both places,” she said.
These experiences also helped Lucy confirm what she wanted to do after her studies.
“Both placements highlighted to me the value of NGO’s and my desire to want to be involved in community centred work,” she said.
Lucy’s advice to current or future students looking to complete work integrated learning courses is simple: “always go with a workplace that you are directly interested in and inspired by”.
“This will help you get the most out of the experience and can affirm, or not affirm, your career aspirations,” Lucy said.
`
Lucy Sheppard
To best prepare herself for the workforce, Lucy Sheppard chose to complete a Work Integrated Learning course as part of her degree.
Both placements highlighted to me the value of NGO’s and my desire to want to be involved in community centred work.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.