Graduate Profile: Bronwyn Hatwell

Solid Grounding in Agriculture

A rural background coupled with an interest in economics and agribusiness led Bronwyn Hatwell to enrol in a combined degree in agriculture and commerce with the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Western Australia.

“I would love to be in a position to help producers make the best economic decisions for their farming system,” explains Bronwyn.

Having completed her degree, Bronwyn is now able to work in a bank as a financial adviser or in the finance / banking division of Wesfarmers.  Business and management consultancies as well as a career in agricultural policy development are also available to her. 

“I know of someone who specialised in agricultural economics who is now working for the United Nations developing agricultural policy issues and another involved in the agricultural trade area working with the Australian Wheat Board,” Bronwyn says. 

Bronwyn particularly enjoyed the broad nature of the combined agriculture / commerce degree.  “If you have an interest in agriculture there is plenty of scope to tailor the degree to your interests,” explains Bronwyn.  “I double majored in agriculture and commerce, but it is equally possible to double major in agriculture and economics or do a straight major in animal science, plant science, soil science or a combination of these.”

The support from staff who are always willing to help, made the degree a pleasure,” says Bronwyn.  “During my honours year, I was constantly knocking on doors with requests for help and the staff were always happy to stop for a chat.”