Will van Wettere
United Kingdom
Institution attended: The University of
Adelaide
Agriculture honours graduate Will was working in an Australian
dairy research facility when he met his current postgraduate supervisor.
Impressed by Will’s work, his future mentor invited him to take up a master’s
degree in animal science which was later upgraded to a PhD.
Now in the
final stages of writing his thesis, Will has already secured the next stage of
his career. He is the first researcher to be awarded a postdoctoral fellowship
at the Pork Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), which is based at the University
of Adelaide. “I was encouraged by my supervisor to start thinking about jobs
before the end of my candidature, and to apply for project grants to obtain
funding for me to continue working in my chosen area,” he says.
Will’s
success story makes interesting reading for international students who are
interested in pursuing educational, lifestyle and employment opportunities in
Australia.
He has been impressed by the quality of education that he
received, and the support provided by university staff. “I have also been
encouraged to present my work at, and travel to, both national and international
conferences.”
The facilities for postgraduate students were also good:
“Throughout my candidature I have had my own office, computer and constant
access to all the educational materials – particularly journal access –
required.”
Will believes that international students need to take the
initiative in order to enjoy studying in a new country and culture. “Be prepared
to make the most of your social opportunities, both amongst your fellow students
and outside your educational institute. Living in a foreign country, far from
friends and family, can be extremely lonely, and making the time to build
friendships will make it much easier, more pleasant, and a more worthwhile
experience.”