Willow currently works as a Biology and Environmental Science Teacher at Epsom Girls Grammar School.

He holds a BSc/BA (Science and Arts) conjoint in Biology and Philosophy and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary).

1. When you were 7 years old you wanted to be... a Pilot.

2. Name of the educational institution(s) you graduated from
University of Auckland

3. Why did you choose your major(s) or specialisation?
In my Science Degree I majored in Biology - I knew that I wanted to become a teacher because I liked science and I liked working with people.

In my Arts Degree I majored in Philosophy (mostly ethics) - just because I could - it is a fascinating subject and it really gets you thinking in ways you wouldn't normally think.

On a side note, I also did papers in music, maths, anthropology, physics, and environmental science - keeping things interesting and varied!

4. How did you find your first job?
I actually had an advantage - I heard about the vacancy in advance before it was advertised in the Education Gazette. One of my lecturers was also a member of the biology department at Epsom Girls Grammar so she gave me the heads up and even some hints and tips about applying for the job. "Who you know" really does help!

All teaching jobs are advertised in the Education Gazette - hardcopy and online, which makes it much easier finding positions. I had sent my C.V. in for a few other positions and had had interviews but with no luck.

5. Describe the interview process you went through to obtain your first position after graduating
After sending my C.V. and cover letter I was asked to an interview with the Head of Science, Head of Biology and a Deputy Principal. I had thought a bit about what I could say about things like my teaching style, how I keep informed about current science, how the Treaty of Waitangi relates etc. The interview went well and I was called that afternoon and offered the job!

6. What training was made available to you by your employer in your first role?
I had irregular meetings with various colleagues to discuss how things were going, think about new ideas and about how to improve teaching strategies. I went on several Professional Development 1-day courses paid for by the School which was really useful. My colleagues were very helpful and always willing to share ideas and help me out with problems.

7. Describe some of the roles you have held since your graduate level position
I've been teaching at Epsom Girls Grammar since I graduated - and still loving it!

8. Have you found your degree useful in your working career? Why (or why not)?
Certainly doing Biology and Environmental Science at University has been very useful as a base understanding for teaching it at secondary school. The skills and ideas I learnt in other subjects like music, philosophy and anthropology allow me to lead music groups at school and to develop really good working relationships with classes, keeping it real!

9. What are your plans for the next 5 years?
I am planning on heading off around the world starting early 2009. I want to experience places and cultures that are very different to our "Western" / "European" society - for example Asia, Africa, South America etc. I will also hopefully live and work somewhere in Europe for a year or two - possibly working at an International School, and doing small trips around Europe. Once back in NZ I plan to continue teaching, but at a variety of schools to keep learning new ideas and ways of doing things. So much exciting stuff to do!! :)

10. What advice would you give an upcoming graduate looking to kick off a successful career?
If you have a good idea of what you want to do - go hard until you get it! Talk to people who have done similar things, talk to careers advisors, meet people in the industry, get your foot in the door even with a low-level position to start with.
USE YOUR CONTACTS: friends, family, old teachers and lecturers and tutors, neighbours etc...!

If you are not sure what you want to do, try stuff! Talk to a careers advisor, think about what you are interested in, try some jobs and move on if they aren't for you. Keep your options open in terms of study - study a range of things you enjoy and are good at.