Geoff Tewierik

Research & Technical Support Scientist
Dermcare-Vet Pty Ltd

Bachelor of Applied Science

"My computer skills and willingness to learn new things in other areas, have seen me take on more responsibilities in the company."

My Job

I currently work for an Australian owned Veterinary Pharmaceutical company, specialising in abnormal skin conditions.  My microbiology work revolves around new products and testing their anti-microbial capabilities.  This however, is a small part of my job as I also do a lot of technical support and customer service work related to our products.  Combined with system administration of the computer network, quality assurance for immunobiologicals, maintaining customer databases and producing marketing material I find I am kept very busy.

My degree

My degree was useful in that it enabled me to gain entry into the company as I was initially employed as a Microbiologist.  My computer skills and willingness to learn new things in other areas have seen me take on more responsibilities in the company.  Sometimes I think it would have been a good idea to do a combined double degree in Science/Business or Science/Computing. 

I found studying at The School of Applied Sciences at Monash University a great experience. Classes were small and lecturers were easily accessible and had time to go through things with you.  It felt like home. I studied part time while working locally so had the best of both worlds, a life at university, and money to spend, something many students miss out on.

I was also involved with the Student Union and at one stage was the Activities Director contributing to newer students, what I had experienced during my first few years.  There is something to be said for doing more at University than just turning up for class. You meet a broad spectrum of people, some of which become life long friends.