University begins at home for Dookie campus agriculture students
Growing up on the family farm, Zoe Wilson experienced first-hand the importance of sustainable agriculture. That is why she enrolled in the University of Melbourne’s Diploma in General Studies (DiGS) after high school.
“I was originally enrolled in the Bachelor of Agriculture at the University’s Parkville campus but didn’t feel ready to make the move to the city,” Zoe said.
“A friend suggested the DiGS program, which is based in Dookie and leads into the Bachelor of Agriculture. It was the perfect solution.”
DiGS and Bachelor of Agriculture student Zoe Wilson
The DiGS program is a one-year full-time course at the University’s Dookie campus in northern Victoria that can be used as a guaranteed pathway to University of Melbourne bachelor degrees in Agriculture, Arts, Commerce, Design, or Science.
“I didn’t necessarily need to complete DiGS as a pathway, but it was an opportunity to start my university journey closer to home in an environment I was more comfortable in,” Zoe said.
“As a country kid, the program really resonated with me. It offers a huge range of practical skill building that comes with studying at a fully functioning agricultural facility such as Dookie.”
One of the extra skills Zoe developed while studying the DiGS program was wool classing, which has taken her to Sydney to compete nationally.
“At Dookie, you have the option to gain extra certificates such as the Certificate IV in wool classing, which was incredible. I’ve competed in national competitions, and it’s given me the opportunity to work as a wool handler and wool classer during the holidays,” Zoe said.
While the hands-on experience and plentiful study options were empowering, Zoe said the best thing about studying the DiGS program was the people.
“It was awesome to meet other country kids, but also kids that didn’t have any previous experience in agriculture. We all had similar interests and became like a big family,” she said.
After completing the DiGS program, Zoe transitioned into the Bachelor of Agriculture – including a move to the city – and is now in her final year.
"Now I can look at farming practices and really understand what’s going on at a physiological scale, not just a physical scale,” Zoe said.
Zoe says she looks forward to applying her skills in an industry role one day but there may be some travel on the cards first.
“I would love to travel the world and gain experience in different agricultural sectors. The world is limitless in agriculture – it’s hard to pinpoint an exact career path just yet, but I am excited to apply my skills in an industry I’m passionate about,” Zoe said.
“I grew up immersed in agriculture and animals and want to see it progress into the future with sustainability at its heart. I want to be part of this journey.”
Zoe’s advice to current and future students interested in studying agriculture?
“Open every door that’s presented to you and take a hold of every opportunity – I’ve learnt that the agricultural sector values students who make the most of what’s offered to them. For me, studying at Dookie was one of those doors, and it’s set me up for an incredible future.”
More information on the Diploma in General Studies can be found here.