I have had a wonderful time sitting down with Griffith University women in STEM; I truly am in awe of their expertise and advice. Today’s interview is no different. On April 14th, I face-timedShannon Langford, a Bachelor of Science student majoring in Wildlife Biology. From the get-go, you could feel Shannon’s passion through the screen! She is an engaged and determined individual who is driven to bettering our environment, whether this be as a park ranger or in the realm of politics. Please grab yourself a cup of tea and enjoy my following interview with Shannon Langford:
What degree are you studying and why did you choose that?
“I’m studying a Bachelor of Science majoring in Wildlife Biology. I decided to study that quite late, actually. I wasn’t too sure what I wanted to do; I knew that I didn’t want to do admin! I ended up seeing a career’s psychologist. It was a nice process; saved me a lot of the stress that can be associated with trying to transition between careers. I did some personality testing, discussed my likes and strengths and we built a short list. Despite having to go to uni, because of the competitive nature of the occupation, I couldn’t take my eyes off the career of being a park ranger. It stems from love of nature, from travel, from childhood…just getting that kind of peace of mind from the environment”
What was your route to university? Did you take a gap year/s or did you come straight from high school?
“I am 31! So I left high school too many years ago now. I travelled on and off for 10 years; lived overseas, I lived in several places around Australia. I accidentally moved to the northern rivers area and found myself wanting more from a career point of a view.”
What is the goal for your degree?
“Coming into uni, the goal was becoming a park ranger. It was just to be able to spend a greater portion in the environment than what I was previously doing with admin. Obviously, there is a lot of paperwork and spatial analysis with it though. When I graduate, I will try and go down that route. Potentially later…I might go and do something further at uni. I do love continually learning!”
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years from now?
“I think it would be great to develop more skills around research and politics. Once I’ve gotten to a stage where I am comfortable as a park ranger then I may look further down the political route. Doing something that could change what’s happening in Australia with the environment and it coming as a back seat to a lot of other things. Whilst many environmental scientists and people that care about the environment think it should take a front seat.”
Have you enjoyed being able to develop a female community at Griffith?
“Definitely enjoyed it! It has been really nice to have. I grew up with three brothers, was constantly around guys…I was more comfortable maybe, well I thought I was. Since my late 20s, early 30s, I have been really enjoying the motivational, nourishing energy that women support each other with. Going into the sciences (the field as a whole) it has been really really nice [to have this female community]. You can feel that!”
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
“Allow yourself to get lost and don’t feel guilty about it. You can always come back. Allowing yourself to get lost, will allow you to get found. Allow yourself to find your feet. Don’t feel guilty about doing things that you don’t think are going to benefit you later. Life experience will always benefit you down the track. Also…you can do it, believe in yourself. I know that is very corny, I know. But you really can do what it is you put your mind to.”
What advice would you give to other women who are looking to do a STEM program OR currently in a STEM program?
“I’d reiterate the above message as a core part. Also, don’t compare yourself to the guys. You are different. Different doesn’t mean worse off. You have a lot of strengths that they may not have.”
What is your take home message from today’s interview?
“You can do it! You can do whatever you put your mind to. Keep in mind that with the people you see as a success (in your eyes), it’s very unlikely that their path was a nice slant upwards. A lot of people who are thriving in their field have had a very bumpy path. I actually listened to a speech from the QLD Chief Scientist, Prof. Hugh Possingham….he told us of all the nitty gritty of his path was to where he is. It was not all smooth! The key that I took from that was “you learn so much from those situations that make you uncomfortable.”
Thank you Shannon for sitting down with me and sharing your take on these questions. It truly was an insightful conversation.
Comments