Stephen Summerhayes

What degrees have you completed?
Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.

What exactly does your work/job entail?
My role centres on a number of key areas namely coordination, capacity building, advocacy, education, research and project management.

But in terms of how I spend my working time, it’s easier to give you an idea based upon what I have done today:

• Completed a grant application seeking funds to undertake a Sydney Harbour wide estuary management plan.
• Drafted the Terms of Reference for a steering committee relating to a social media project (developing strategies to enhance engagement between government and community regarding the environment).
• Met with government coastal specialist.
• Evaluated a literature review addressing coastal vulnerability to tsunami.
• Updated a Good Practice Guideline for Local Government relating to the use of plastic: translating sustainability principles into a plan of action.
• Updated a research plan in relation to a marine debris audit.
• Did quite a bit of admin – typing up minutes and agendas and preparing a PowerPoint presentation.

What part of your work inspires you the most? Why do you find it interesting?
I’m inspired by the subject matter and the fact that it’s go, go, go. The area (coastal management) is super dynamic and, because I love the content, I find the job consumes almost 24/7 of my time. The role calls upon all my knowledge, skills and experience.

Do you find the skills you learnt during your degree useful and versatile? If so how?
Yes because they applied theory in a real world context and prompted me to consider matters from multiple perspectives. Undertaking a double degree concurrently with a Masters and working full time also encouraged me to think and plan strategically.

What have been your ‘best’ professional achievements?
Applying the knowledge and suite of skills I have acquired over the years to assist disadvantaged communities whilst living in Ecuador and Guatemala.

What did you personally gain from your studies?
Access to and insight into new areas of learning and different ways of thinking, for example, in relation to my Master’s research, the application of logical frameworks within a broader ecological context and the tools and discipline to be able to thoroughly research a subject area.

What was it like to study at UTS Science?
I’m somewhat of an obsessive-compulsive learner (wanting to know the ins and outs of a duck’s bum, as my Mum would say) and a serial studier, so for me it was great. My science studies opened up new worlds (e.g. chemistry, insect morphology, coastal processes etc), which in turn opened up further new worlds and these are opening up even more new worlds… I wish I could say that I breezed through uni, but frankly, I had to work hard, but that hard work paid off – stimulating my mind and providing opportunities.

What advice can you give to students considering studying this degree?
As far as you can, be strategic with subject choices – tailor coursework to your preferred career goal. And get involved, both on and off campus to advance future work prospects.