Sustainability is arguably the most important subject in the 21st century. Living sustainably is everyone's responsibility.
Sustainability challenges are everywhere, from the broadest scenarios in business and government, to local issues in everyday life.
When you study a university course in sustainability, the focus is on finding workable solutions to environmental problems.
And that's where you'll find Amber Anderson.
Amber is finishing her course and working casually as a Graduate Sustainability Consultant at environmental consultancy Emerge Associates in Western Australia.
She has plans to continue to a masters degree.
Green shoots in Yanchep
Amber grew up in Yanchep, a relaxed coastal suburb north of Perth in Western Australia.
She spent a lot of time outdoors. Being at the beach, living across from a park and helping her grandparents with landscaping in their garden.
And she was obsessed with David Attenborough!
She was intrigued by the natural environment and animals and wanted to know more.
Growing up in Yanchep also gave Amber a strong sense of community and an understanding of how these factors within a suburb contribute to a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Later, in 2021, she moved to Margaret River where sustainability practices, growing your own food and recycling is such a large part of life. She loved it all.
ECU Sustainability major student Amber Anderson is in her element.
Finding her study niche
Amber's interest in lifestyles and human population health initially led to her enrolling in Nutrition studies.
But then she discovered a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Sustainability and knew that's what she wanted to do.
Importantly, it was learning the social aspects of sustainability and the wellbeing of the communities that really hit the mark.
Over the course of her 3-year degree at Edith Cowan University, Amber has been able to travel to Bhutan to study sustainability.
This was an impressionable experience on her studies, further inspiring her to work in the sustainability field.
Her mind was completely made up after completing a successful uni work placement as an Environmental Advisor at a mine site, working fly-in fly-out for 10 weeks.
How can you pursue a sustainable career?
Amber's sustainability major has provided insights and knowledge into not only public health, environmental issues, conservation, and waste, but also how businesses can be more sustainable.
It's been a great start to a career in the rapidly growing field of environmental sciences and sustainability, where trained professionals are in demand.
Graduates in Australia can find employment in government or non-government organisations, in the private sector, research and consulting.
This could be in areas such as environmental protection, conservation, natural heritage, land and water management, mining and industry.
Are you ready for a sustainable career?
