Ep 18 - Geology and Scientific Research

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What we’re talking about:

Today I’m chatting with Rory about his course, the Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research at Monash University. We discuss having to persevere with subjects that you’re not really interested in, exploring tertiary course options and comparing courses, and making career decisions that suit your life as a whole.

Having to do VCE subjects you’re not interested in

After studying a Geology elective in Year 10, Rory really just wanted to do more subjects like that. He particularly wasn’t motivated to study English or Maths, and it took lots of conversations with teachers and adults in his life to understand that not only were these subjects prerequisites for tertiary courses he might be interested in, but the content would actually help him in his career.

Researching different tertiary courses

When Rory was looking at courses to put on his VTAC preference list, it was important that he not only looked at Science degrees but also that he made sure that within the course he could major in Geology. He worked out he could do that at Monash, and he also saw that if he wanted to focus on research he could do the Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research as opposed to a regular Science degree. We discuss the difference between the two, as well as the benefit of considering double degrees.

Making career decisions

Rory got his first job as a full time exploration geologist and really enjoyed the work as he started his career. However, he soon realised that being closer to family and friends was really important to him, so he explored options closer to home and is now working in a similar field as an environmental scientist, which he still really enjoys and allows for more balance in his life.

Links mentioned:

My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com

Your PERFECT Preference List: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/counselling/perfectlist

Rory’s course: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2021/science-advanced-research-s3002