Charlotte Thomson (Fr 2013) is originally from a property in southern NSW and now lives and works in Kununurra, WA. Charlotte was always interested in the college experience and shares with us how she found her time at St Andrew’s. Charlotte completed a Bachelor’s degree in Communications but, driven by the prospect of advancing her career, went on to undertake a Master’s in Animal Science. Since completing her studies in 2021, Charlotte has been working within the beef industry, and loving her time in northern Australia. In this Q&A, Charlotte offers valuable advice for those wanting to experience life outside of Sydney, work hard, and reach their full potential.
Please tell us a bit about yourself – where are you originally from and how did you come to be a resident at St Andrew’s College?
I am originally from a property near Wagga in southern NSW. The ‘college experience’ was always something I wanted after hearing about my dad and sisters’ time at Drew’s and John’s respectively.
I took a year off after school, which helped give me more of an idea of what I wanted to do at university. I think it is interesting how many traditions carried out in my father’s time at Drew’s were still present during my time, like the Freshers’ Walkabout and the Brick & Academic Gown tradition.
What parts of College life were you involved in? Do you have a favourite College memory you would like to share?
I was on the Drew’s Rodeo Committee and was a part of the Rosebowl Athletics team. My favourite memories of College were the Victory Dinners (of which there were so many), being an O-Week Leader and just the everyday experience of living in the same place as so many of your mates. I miss the Thai food on King Street and the ‘Hoochie Mama’ brunches.
Did your time at St Andrew’s influence or affect your life after College?
Living at College was a great way to meet people from all walks of life, and a great introduction to Sydney, having never lived there before. My time at College was wonderful, but once I left, I could see the bubble we lived in.
Were there particular academic, professional, or personal experiences that motivated you to pursue a career in the northern beef industry?
Living and working in Sydney for a few years after College made me realise city life did not suit me and that I wanted a career with a more hands-on role. Every year, I would visit friends on a cattle station near the Northern Territory/Western Australia border. It would be my ‘Northern Fix’, and last until the next time I visited. After one visit, I was offered a contract role with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in Kununurra, and I didn’t hesitate to take it on.
You continued your studies by completing a Master’s degree in Animal Science at Charles Sturt. What made you decide to further your studies? How has extending your education impacted your career to date?
I completed a Master’s in Animal Science solely to add to my career opportunities, but in the process, I realised how much I loved studying. I completed my Masters while working full time which challenged me to set a routine, boundaries and academic standards much higher than I’d done for my Bachelor’s degree.
My Bachelor’s degree was great at setting a foundation for a career but completing a Masters allowed me to explore the area I was passionate about, and helped me realise more career-specific aspirations.
I was reluctant to complete a degree in agriculture prior because I had previously failed the required statistics subjects. However, when I completed the stats subjects as part of my Master’s degree, I realised how much I enjoyed it – and how good I was at it.
You have worked in several different parts of Australia, including Sydney, regional NSW, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. What have you enjoyed about experiencing life in different parts of the country? Is there anything you would have done differently if you had a next time?
The best thing about living in different parts of Australia is the people I have met and the amazing parts of Australia I have had the privilege to visit. Kununurra is a remote part of Australia (4000 km from my hometown) so friends became family. Those who live in northern Australia work hard and play harder – the lifestyle is all about being outdoors, off the beaten track and fitting work around a social life. Nowhere else in Australia would you have the chance to be flown by pilot friends to a waterfall you can only reach by air – or have weekend fishing trips camping on a boat on a croc-infested river. There is nothing I would do differently. Everything I have done – even all the low times – has gotten me to where I am today and for that, I am so grateful.
What do you like to do outside of your work?
I have recently become a sourdough bread-baking enthusiast! Outside of work, my life is mostly friends and family.
What are you reading, watching or listening to now that you would recommend to others?
I spend a lot of time in the car so for audiobooks and podcasts I am always seeking recommendations myself.
Diary of a CEO has some great listens. The Imperfects are really good and the Conversations podcast on the ABC is a staple for me. ‘Greenlights’ audiobook by Matthew McConaughey was surprisingly good. Every night without fail I listen to 15 minutes of Harry Potter – Stephen Fry has an amazing voice and for anyone needing something to get to sleep, I would recommend this!
I am a re-reader of books and when I cannot be bothered to start a new one I will re-read one of my favourites, The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls.
Is there any advice you would give to young Androvians looking to pursue a career in journalism or the agricultural research industry?
The best thing you can do for your career is to meet as many people as possible. Your horizon expands when you meet people who are working somewhere you want to be, or are in an industry you have never heard of. There are so many careers and niche industries out there. For every job I’ve had, I’ve gotten there because of someone I’ve met – not given me a role, but made me aware that a job exists, and I’ve made it my target to get there. You always end up where you are meant to be and there are never any shortcuts.