A Note from Joanne
 
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How do you get to do something you love?

I get to do two fo my favorite things at once (lucky eh?). Here's what you need to do if you want to 'invent' your own career in a similar vein.

Study what you love

You won't see it on the career information cards but my science degree led, albeit indirectly, to a whole range of careers that spanned cartooning, public affairs, managing an exhibition, lecturing, journalism, presenting and speaking.

You never know where your favorite field will take you. But pick something you're passionate about, because to have choices, you have to study something, anything, and study it well.You won't get rich doing something you hate.

I did a science degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry at UWA. I also tortured myself in Honours for a year, but it's the only way to understand how science, the process, works. (If you're curious: I worked on the genetics of Y-Chromosome probes, the chromosome with next to nothing on it).

Join a Circus

OK, maybe not, but it worked for me. When I finished my degree I ran away and joined a Circus, the Shell Questacon Science Circus. We travelled all over Australia to places like Shepparton, Mt Isa, Bunbury and Broome, performing shows at schools and town halls. This 'Circus' has a staff of ten science graduates and a semi trailer full of hands-on exhibits. The Science Circus still travels Australia. Look out for it. If you have a degree you could apply to join the Circus. If you do, you'll also earn yourself a Graduate Diploma in Science Communication from the ANU. One heck of a diploma.

"the best thing I did for my career was ...for free"

If no one offers you the perfect job, invent it yourself

After I left the Circus I set up my own business(es). I drew cartoons, did graphic design, managed an interstate workshop program, and wrote manuals for science centres. (That's four businesses too many. Don't do it.)

Funnily enough though, the best thing I did for my career was something I did for free. I organised a Greens' Fundraiser and invited Dr Karl Kruszelnicki to present at it. (Dr Karl = famous Science Geek on JJJ, an author and a looovely guy). After this, he became a mentor and sender-of-hot-tips. He gave me most of the major breaks I had. (Thanks Karl!) I never expected my volunteer work to be a pivotal point in my career path, but like I said. "Do what you love", the rest will come together.

Now, I perform at schools, speak at conferences and dinners and talk each week on several radio stations. Occasionally I write for magazines like D-Mag or appear as a guest or host on TV shows like Good News Week or 'Y?'.

Here are some of the questions I get asked at schools when I do shows

  1. How do I know all this stuff?

    I learnt most of the tricks from Questacon (The National Science Centre in Canberra) and Scitech (the science centre in Perth). I also read lots of books. You can find out many of these tricks and demonstrations from books, and on the internet now too (see my Hot links page).

  2. When did I start doing science?

    I've been learning science as long as I can remember. My dad is a scientist, so we were always talking science and doing experiments. What a lucky kid! We almost had a complete laboratory at home with a microscope, chemistry sets, electricity kits and a telescope too.

  3. What's my favorite trick?

    I have so many favorites, but I love the cornflour-and-water-slime demonstration the best. It's the one that surprises people the most. It doesn't seem to matter how old the audience is, this trick has universal appeal.



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Last modified 14 December 2000.