FdSc Aquaculture graduate and Head of Operations, Mainstream Aquaculture Group, Australia
After leaving school at 16 I enrolled on Sparsholt’s BTEC National Diploma. I discovered so many management positions were held by Sparsholt alumni, so I decided to follow suit and pursue a career in aquaculture, progressing on to the Foundation Degree to gain the skills to make me more employable.
Employability was a big advantage - the skills attained at Sparsholt still resonate in my everyday career, even after many years. My tutors always supported my international career aspirations, assisting in overseas work placements while allowing me to fulfil my potential. The industry exposure through practical learning in a real world environment is like no other. The on-site lake wasn’t just an educational facility though, it was often a focal point for students to unwind during a day’s fishing, while strengthening relationships that remain to this day.
Sparsholt is truly an institution focused on securing successful career paths for its students and there are a world of opportunities out there internationally in aquaculture and a deficit of skilled people to fill these roles. Just ask professionals throughout the industry where they studied!
After working in over nine different countries across Asia, Europe and the Middle East I am currently the Head of Operations for Mainstream Aquaculture in Queensland, Australia. As a manager myself, I can confidently say that I would prefer working alongside fellow Sparsholt students as I know the rigorous education undertaken there. Being accountable for significant volumes of high value fish is a big responsibility. When administering medicines or calculating stocking densities, I still often turn to my Sparsholt notes for commercial examples and clarity.
Find out more about Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Studies at University Centre Sparsholt