2000: Study buddies

Views: 2,592 views. Comments: No Comment.
Tags: alumni, environment, Gatton, Science, summer-2010

Louise and Mike Butwell, ADAppSc

Louise Butwell

For husband and wife Louise and Mike Butwell, studying as mature-aged students brought them closer together and helped to secure their dream jobs.

While living in Victoria and owning and operating a security business, they decided it was time to transform a hobby into a viable career.

In their spare time the couple enjoyed spending time outdoors, hiking and experiencing Australia’s diverse natural wonders.

“We constantly enjoyed bush walking in our national parks and longed to help protect the wildlife,” Mrs Butwell said.

After moving to Queensland in 1995,  they enrolled in an Associate Diploma in Applied Science (Wilderness Reserves and Wildlife), graduating in 2000.

Both now work in Brisbane with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service in the import clearance department.

Mr Butwell is stationed at the International Airport, processing passengers arriving from around the world, while Mrs Butwell works in a surveillance role checking imported air and sea cargo.

Having accomplished their goals, the couple now feels they are doing their part to protect Australia’s flora and fauna.

“We are doing this by preventing exotic pests and diseases from  entering the country,” Mrs Butwell said.

The couple said they enjoyed their time studying at the Gatton campus while working as security officers at the international and domestic airports.

Although some subjects such as surveying and engineering were daunting, the couple said they recognised the advantages of their new skills.

“Studying together we found it helpful to consult each other and at the same time we were learning even more as we would each do different assignments,” Mrs Butwell said.

“All the science subjects were amazingly rewarding. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole course and at the end I wanted to keep learning more.”

For those thinking about changing career direction, Mrs Butwell said it was never too late.

“The atmosphere was wonderful and on graduation day we were rewarded for our hard work. If you want something bad enough you will achieve,” she said.

By Allison Rock

• Home
• Graduate Contact
• Alumni Profiles
• Global Education: Divining world trends