I chose to study at the University of Sydney for its high sustainability ranking and strong commitment to sustainability, as seen in initiatives like its annual Sustainability Report. This emphasis on transparency and accountability resonated deeply with my values.

The degree's capstone project also appealed to me because it blends science, policy, and innovation to solve real-world problems. It gave me the unique opportunity to collaborate with organisations like the NSW Department of Primary Industries, bridging academic theory with practical impact.

The degree gave me a solid foundation in environmental science and policy analysis, deepening my understanding of carbon neutrality and sustainability conversations. Consequently, the degree has expanded my career vision, equipping me to pursue roles in government agencies, NGOs, or sustainable enterprises.

The University’s strong reputation and industry partnerships opened doors to opportunities where I can bridge the gap between scientific research and business innovation, such as translating ecological insights into actionable strategies for organisations. This balance of rigorous academic training and real-world collaboration positions me to drive sustainability outcomes across sectors.

Yes, I was looking to transition into a career focused on sustainability research and environmental management. When I first applied for the Master of Sustainability, my goal was to gain foundational environmental knowledge to expand my career opportunities into business-oriented roles like ESG consulting or energy consulting. However, during the program, I discovered a passion for research that I hadn’t fully realised before.

Working on my capstone project, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a team of passionate researchers, including PhD experts on bat and bird lovers. Their dedication to wildlife study and biodiversity monitoring was inspiring and deepened my appreciation for the field, and it motivated me to pursue more research opportunities in the future.

My advice would be to embrace interdisciplinary learning and seek out practical experiences. Sustainability is a broad field that requires knowledge from multiple disciplines, including ecology, economics, and technology.

Engaging in hands-on projects like the capstone project can provide valuable insights and help you apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.

Also, stay curious and open to learning about emerging technologies like AI and data analytics, as they are increasingly important in sustainability research.