Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biological Sciences
Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Environmental Science
PhD in Environmental Science
Senior Environmental Consultant and Director, Taylor Collaborations
When it comes to career planning, Gareth Taylor has a simple strategy 鈥 "follow your interests".
It鈥檚 an approach that鈥檚 paid off. After finishing Burnside High School, he enrolled in a Bachelor of Science at University of mini传媒, and went on to earn a PhD in Environmental Science.
"I ended up doing Environmental Science because that鈥檚 what I was interested in, and that鈥檚 mostly how my career has developed too 鈥 ultimately, I decided to follow my interests towards environmental consulting."
Gareth now leads a world class team of engineers, scientists and planners at Jacobs 鈥 one of the world鈥檚 largest construction and engineering companies.
"Our projects include large scale infrastructure design, environmental assessments, and strategic advisory for clients. I also have project roles in areas of environmental management, project management and ecology, and manage a number of projects in flood management that evaluate earthquake effects on flooding and how best to resolve flood risk in Christchurch."
Being able to help in the rebuild of his home city after a series of devastating earthquakes is one of the highlights of his career. He鈥檚 also proud to lead a great team of people who are providing long-term benefits for people and communities all over the world.
The work is mini传媒 and varied and involves a high amount of problem solving and ability to think on your feet 鈥 all skills he honed while studying science at UC.
"Studying science taught me to self-learn and apply learnings quickly. It gives you a chance to get outside and the skills learnt are adaptable to many different areas."
Gareth鈥檚 advice to anyone considering studying science? It鈥檚 the same recipe that worked for him.
"Do what interests you firstly 鈥 there鈥檚 no point studying something you don鈥檛 like doing."
From there, it鈥檚 up to you.
"The exact topic is not the ultimate decider of your career, personal attributes are equally as important."
