An environment leader for tomorrow: James’s career journey

29 Jul 2021
James Wheeler
UQ Master of Environmental Management student, James Wheeler 

James Wheeler had very little ‘real world’ experience in environmental management before he applied for a spot in the University of Queensland’s Leadership and Mentoring Program in Science (LaMPS).

LaMPS is a leadership course which facilitates the development of leadership and mentoring skills in UQ students and is a pathway to membership with the UQ Science Leaders Academy.

Just a few months after completing the course, James had secured a placement with the Department of Environment and Science (DES), in what would eventually kickstart a career in the field he loves.

“I wanted to find out what it was like to be in the workforce, as well as to improve my employability and make connections for future jobs in the industry,” James said.

“As a master’s student undertaking a major career change, the program was an opportunity to get a step ahead in my career, and build the soft skills that you would normally only develop in the workplace.

“I don’t think I’d be where I am today if not for the LaMPS course – it opened the door to my dream job, and I’m beyond happy!”

James admits that he was initially unsure what benefits and learnings he would receive from the program.

“I undertook the course mainly as a way to improve my employability and I wasn’t really sure if I’d get much out of it before I applied,” he said.

“But when, only a few months after completing the program, I’d secured my placement with DES and was told by the selection panel that I stood out due to the leadership experience I had, I knew it was a great decision.

“The course is really well run and caters to a broad range of students – from first year students to those who have been at uni for over six years, like me!

“I hope it continues to afford other students the same opportunities it afforded me.”

James is now working full-time at the DES as an environmental officer within the Environmental Services and Regulation division and has been able to work on a wide variety of important projects.

“We undertake assessments of projects that may impact on environmental values, and we put in place conditions to ensure the best possible outcome for the environment,” he said.

“It’s really exciting work and the decisions we’re making can make a big difference and I love doing work that contributes to protecting Queensland’s incredibly diverse ecosystems.”

James believes the benefits of a placement while studying are invaluable and he would highly recommend it to any student weighing it up as an option.

“Industry placement counts toward your degree, which means less coursework and exams!” he joked.

“But most importantly it provides you with an incredible opportunity to put your learnings into practice.

“At the very least, it will give you an insight into life beyond uni, and at the very most it could be the best career move you take.”

Apply for LaMPS

We encourage you to complete UQ LaMPS during your first year at UQ, but students in all years are welcome to apply. UQ LaMPS is open to undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students enrolled in a Faculty of Science program.

Higher degree research students (MSc/MPhil, PhD) are not eligible.

Apply for UQ LaMPS through StudentHub (UQ login required).

Applications close on Sunday 1 August 2021.

Latest