Allanah Kidd chose to study at Otago because of the quality teaching and research as well as the life skills and independence students gain living here. She had planned a double degree in Commerce and Science, but found the Applied Science degree in Environmental Management delivered exactly what she wanted.
“ Environmental Management combines science, geography and business together and the programme is definitely tailored to ensure that you gain practical and current knowledge that can be used in the real world. For example I have undertaken environmental assessments for a range of projects and organisations, submitted on new policy and analysed water and soil sampling results, all things that I did as part of my course. The report writing was really useful – I have to do a lot of that now! And the staff are great – people are really important in your study. They triggered my interest in climate change.
Until recently, I was Environmental and Sustainability Advisor at Downer, a major infrastructure construction company. My role involved implementation of an Environmental Management System, training and advising staff across New Zealand on best environmental practice, implementing new sustainability initiatives and generally ensuring that our work is undertaken in a safe and compliant manner.
Recently I started a new job, as Climate Change Programme Officer for a UN entity, based in Suva, Fiji and covering the Pacific. This is a huge change but I'm passionate about climate change so I'm very excited about this work. There's no doubt that I would not have secured these jobs without the qualifications I have from Otago.
Environmental Management is a great, practical course for able students interested in the world around them. It has enabled me and my classmates, most of whom are still great friends, to travel and work across world – for me, throughout NZ, UK, Ecuador, Peru, and now the Pacific - and meet amazing people and see amazing places along the way. And in the end I hope I can make some small improvement on the state of the environment and the sustainability of our lifestyles.“