They’re ambitious, innovative and highly intelligent – and they’re set to soon graduate from their chosen fields of study and launch careers that will inspire and change the world.
In the coming weeks we will profile 16 female graduates to watch in 2014 who are leading the next generation of female talent in science, medicine, law, business and research. They answer our questions on everything from what they hope to achieve in their careers, what inspires them and the challenges they anticipate they will face in their careers.
Having grown up on a farm in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, Emma Downsborough is passionate about agriculture and making a positive contribution to the local food industry. Combining a science and commerce degree provided the right fit for getting the business of food production right and raising awareness of the need for more effective local branding campaigns. Now studying psychology, Downsborough hopes she can also work on changing the stigma associated with mental health problems in rural Australia.
What degree are you studying and at which university?
I completed a Bachelor or Science (Agriculture) and Bachelor of Commerce with First Class honours at the University of Western Australia, and am now studying a graduate diploma of Psychology at Charles Sturt University by distance education.
When do you plan to finish your studies?
I completed my honours thesis in 2012 and aim to complete my graduate diploma in 2015
How old are you?
24
Why did you choose to go into this field?
I am originally from a small town called Burracoppin in the wheatbelt of Western Australia, and grew up on a mixed livestock and cropping farm, which led me to have a passion for agriculture, in particular, local produce. I also enjoy business and marketing and the combination of a Science and Commerce degree was a perfect fit for me. I’ve now continued study moving into Psychology while I work full time because of the very real issues that face country men and women today. Mental health still has a stigma in rural areas and that is something that I want to actively be a part of helping to change.
What do you want to achieve in your career?
I’d really like to make a difference to rural and regional communities through actively promoting mental health services. I’d also like to spend time working overseas to challenge myself.
What are the biggest challenges you face in trying to reach these goals?
There are limited job opportunities for graduates in the agricultural industry in WA, so it is a challenge to further my work with local food producers. I also think there is a lack of funding and support for mental health issues in both regional and metropolitan areas.
Where do you hope to be in 10 years time?
I don’t have a specific goal for 10 years — but I hope it will be a mix of family, meaningful work and regular travel. I know I will always be driven to achieve new things.
Who do you admire most?
My brother. He was told at school in year eleven that he would never pass her TER (university entry exams) and to give up and get a trade. He persevered and now works at a business analyst for Barclay’s Bank in London. I also have incredible admiration for my Gran, she was a strong woman.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
My Dad has always told me to get the most out of whatever situation I am in, even if it’s not something I want to be doing. Having a positive outlook can make a huge difference to your life. It’s too short to spend being unhappy or doing things you don’t love and find meaning in.