What did your former role as a GIS (Geographic Information System) Graduate entail?
Eagle Technology is the main distributor of ArcGIS Products (from Esri) within New Zealand and the South Pacific. These distributed products are mainly ArcGIS Technology (such as ArcGIS Pro and Field Maps).
I moved to Wellington at the beginning of 2023 to pursue this role. In the Graduate programme, I rotated between different teams within the company and learnt how ArcGIS functions from a distributor point of view. I’m was placed in the Support Team, supporting customers on questions or issues that they might have been having with their use of ArcGIS. From my end, I was able to learn the technology and improve on my interpersonal skills as I assisted a customer on an issue.
Beforehand, I was placed in the Technical Solutions Team as a Solution’s Engineer where I supported clients by developing and presenting products that meet their requirements through ArcGIS Technology. This included attending and presenting at numerous events, conferences or at a workshop at a client’s workplace.
What did you enjoy most about your position with Eagle Technology?
Besides the technological aspect of how wonderful geospatial technology is, I loved interacting with the clients and the relationship Eagle Technology builds with their customers. More so often, I felt like I was helping, learning and joining in on the client’s experience with their GIS Industry.
On top of that, Eagle Technology is part of a well-connected GIS community within New Zealand, which was a great place to network with people in the industry! In terms of the work culture, I loved the flexibility, positive atmosphere and how people are willing to share or teach their expertise area. I also enjoyed being able to solve problems or meet a client’s requirements through my creative thinking. For example, I was given a project with an organisation to create a layer that predicts the health of an environment based on their results. From there, I was able to explore the different technologies on offer, as well as utilising my geospatial skills I’ve learnt from University.
I was given the space to grow and learn as much as I can in New Zealand’s geospatial industry. After all, I loved getting exposed to how the different geospatial technologies are used in different sectors of the country.
We see you were also part of the Youth Rōpū for Environment Canterbury. Is working with the community and the environment something you have always been interested in?
It hasn’t always been, but I was aware of the environmental impact issues in my early years in Sarawak. I remembered being extensively curious about the relationship between the natural (physical) and human environment. A few years later, in my late years of high school, I took on some student leadership roles. From that point, I’ve learned a few things about engaging with your community in supporting a cause. However, these were not environmentally related back then.
In my second year of University, a good friend of mine from high school convinced me to apply for the Youth Rōpū. I applied for the role and knew that I am able to contribute my knowledge and skills to this group! I was able to combine my knowledge on how local government operates, environmental science and community engagement experiences into the table. Furthermore, coming from the global south, I reflected on my experiences and used that to prevent the environmental impacts we have experienced to create a more resilient Canterbury.
After joining the Youth Rōpū, I became more interested in working with my local community in creating a better environment for all of us to live in.
Any highlights from your time at UC?
There are so many highlights for me throughout my time at UC, but I’ll narrow down and simplify my experiences into a couple of points.
● As previously mentioned, being part of the Student Volunteer Army has been a great highlight! My favourite part would have to be the Hokitika 2020 Camp! The people in the West Coast were incredibly hospitable and we were invited to stay at Ngāti Waewae Arahura Marae. We helped revitalise and rebuild some parts of the Westland Industrial Heritage Park, with some great cheese scones at the end!
● I stayed at the former Bishop Julius Hall (now Arcady Hall) during my first year. Despite some disruptions in 2020, I’ve had an incredible time as a student at this hall. People were eager to meet each other and we had a jam-packed year full of hall events/activities (such as the Ball and Assassins Week). Ironically, I became a Residential Assistant the next year and mentored some first years on how to navigate their first year at UC.
● I would like to emphasise how fantastic the community within the Earth Science department (Geology, Geography and Environmental Science). I always felt like we were such a small and well-connected community throughout my degree. The professors, lecturers, staff and tutors were all approachable, eager to help and keen to share their knowledge.
● For my Geography and Environmental Science majors, we had to do multiple group works and a few field trips. For example, for our final year project in Geography, my group conducted our own findings in conjunction with Te Kōhaka o Tūhaitara Trust. I like the independence, creativity and materials for our research project (with some form of community engagement). At the end, we had to present this material to our organisation partner and our research paper was made available to the public at the end of the year.
What led to your decision to study at UC?
I wanted some degree of flexibility in my BSc. At UC, I am able to have a holistic combination of both Physical and Human Geography, unlike traditional streams where both geographies are generally separated. Furthermore, it aligns my vision of becoming a people-based scientist on how both geographies would help empower local communities in an ever changing climate and landscape. Furthermore, I was able to add in a few electives, which was studying German for me. This gives me the chance to pursue passions that are outside the scope of science.
Second of all, I knew that Christchurch is still rebuilding itself post-earthquake. I thought the location of all the key environmental sites (such as reserves, rural land & national parks), as well as a change in the city’s public infrastructure would be a great study case in terms of environmental planning, conservation, community resilience and designing healthier cities.
In addition to the choices offered, I’ve received the UC International First Year Scholarship which immensely supported my studies financially.
What advice would you give to a student thinking of studying a Bachelor of Science at UC?
If you would like to study anything in the science stream but are keen for some flexibility to pursue another major, then the BSc is the perfect degree for you! I believe that besides practising your main major, accompanying it with an elective outside of your scope will enable you to be adaptive, creative and remain curious of how the world works. The BSc reflects on the idea of you taking charge of your studies and interests.
Besides studying, definitely make full use of the great facilities (if you are given access) in the Rutherford Science or Beatrice Tinsley Building! It’s a great study place and no doubt becomes your go-to hub in your time on campus. Join a couple of clubs that are related to your field of study. These clubs come in handy when it comes to studying before an exam and networking/community building events to connect with those in the industry or department.
Planning to study Geography at UC? Besides being ranked in the Top 100 Universities in the world to study this major this year, I cannot emphasise enough how much I’ve learned from my lectures. If you couldn’t decide on a particular geography stream, the BSc in Geography allows you to combine the different streams (Physical, Human and/or Geospatial Science) that suits your passion. You’ll create close relationships with people in your department, which makes you feel comfortable working with different people on many group projects. These people could be your study mates to get you through your time in university!
