Julian, 27
Where does the RACV get its information when advising the government on the best interests of motorists? They employ people like Julian. Find out more:
Fact file
Job description: Helps with the development of RACV policies on issues such as vehicle safety and other ratings.
Subjects studied: Maths A, Maths B, Physics, Computer Science and English.
Further training: Julian started a Bachelor of Science in Computing and Accounting at La Trobe University and then transferred into Engineering at Swinburne University of Technology (4 years, 6 months); and then did Graduate Diploma of Business Management at Swinburne (6 months).
Profile
Through his work with the RACV's public policy unit, Julian is quietly changing government policy when it comes to cars. Julian is a research engineer. He helps to gather data on what is best for motorists, and provides information for the RACV to use when they lobby the government for change.
Much of his time is spent learning about technical developments in vehicles, for which his training in engineering is essential.
"Understanding an issue is important before the RACV states an opinion, which must be in the motorist's interests. I like knowing that something I've completed has made a difference, whether it's to my colleagues, the company, or the community in general."
There's a fair bit of desk work involved, but Julian also gets to travel around Australia as a representative of RACV at industry functions, such as new car launches or work-related conferences.
A gentle push from his parents: Julian's parents both studied science, so there was some gentle persuasion from them to carry on the tradition. "But I always did best at science subjects at school," says Julian.
"I've always enjoyed the challenges that science subjects presented to me. Having worked in a few part-time, unskilled jobs, and based on experience with non-science related subjects at school and university, I have found engineering to be the most stimulating career I could choose."
Job specs
A transport economist studies the efficiency, financial organisation and interaction of systems such as railways, air transport, shipping, trucks, buses and cars. They examine the allocation of private and government resources to transport systems and the implications of fuel production and importation.
They also study the effects of regulation, development and the application of demand models, as well as analyse the implications of investment proposals in the transport industry.
Personal requirements:
- able to think logically and analytically
- able to discuss views clearly in a variety of forums
- able to write concisely
- good at mathematics and statistical analysis.
Getting started
Find out more about a career in economics:
Economic Society of Australia, Inc.
Central Council Administration, PO Box 937 St Ives, NSW 2075
Tel: (02) 9402 7635
Find out more about this career path at myfuture.edu.au (Note: free registration is required to access the myfuture site).