Holly Nettle is currently an Environmental Science cadet with the Blue Mountains City Council and a research intern with the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute’s Upland Swamps monitoring and decision support system project, helping us out with data collection, university team liaison, data analysis and reporting.
A bit about me
Holly with a crayfish, working on the Healthy Waterways program with Blue Mountains City Council.
My passion for nature started when I was young and I always knew that I wanted to help make real change that would help to conserve the environment.
During high school, I volunteered a lot in the industry to gain as much experience as I could before I started studying environmental science at university. Not long after I started university I started volunteering as a research assistant on different environmental projects. Because of my previous experience volunteering, I was lucky enough to get my current job as an Environmental Science Cadet with Local Government which I am extremely grateful for.
Earlier in the year I completed a statement of attainment in bush regeneration with TAFE and also started volunteering with the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute as an intern on the Upland Swamps Monitoring Project.
What inspired you to sign up to be an intern?
I am always looking for opportunities to get involved in environmental projects and make a difference. I had always heard great things about the work of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute so I signed up to be an intern!
What study area are you particularly interested in?
I am interested in so many different aspects of environmental science but my experience is mostly in water science, an area that I am particularly passionate about.
What's good about being an intern?
There are so many benefits of being an intern! Firstly, I get to work with a great team of passionate and experienced professionals who are incredibly supportive. Being an intern is also a great way to gain experience on real projects that help to protect and conserve the environment into the future. I also love being at the cusp of innovative research. My internship is very flexible which allows me to balance my studies and apply what I am learning in my degree in a professional setting.
What are you hoping to learn or gain from your experience?
I am hoping to expand my knowledge and build new skills that I will be able to use in my broader career and into the future. I am excited to help the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute team wherever possible in the delivery of the Upland Swamps Monitoring Project. I am also eager to meet new people and learn from their knowledge and experiences.
Where would you like to be in 5 years?
Ideally, in 5 years I would like to be completing a PhD researching some aspect of water science whilst working in the industry. I have a growing fascination for arctic and marine science and I would love to study or gain experience in this area. I would also love to work overseas for a few years to study or work in different environments. One thing is clear though – I never want to stop learning!
Do you have any advice for others thinking about doing an internship?
Take the leap! This is your chance to get involved in research and projects that make a real difference. An internship also gives you a valuable opportunity to work with a team of dedicated and supportive professionals. This is also your chance to meet new people in the industry and expand your knowledge and learn new skills. Signing up is easier than you think and there are always opportunities to contribute to real world projects and research.
Interested in volunteering or becoming an intern with us? Check out our internships page.