“I realised how passionate I was about horticulture.” Hort Innovation Graduate Engagement Program

This case study originally appeared in ‘Grads bring a burst of fresh growth to hort sector‘, published the Summer 2021 edition of AFG, available online here.

Erin Coyle, Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability Coordinator, Freshmax Group

“I’ve always been really passionate about plant and soil science, but I never really thought about the horticulture industry as an industry I wanted to go into,” says Erin Coyle, 22. But after graduating from agricultural science at the University of Melbourne, Erin saw a graduate internship advertised with fresh produce marketing and distribution company Freshmax, and decided to give it a go.

It’s been all up from there.

“Once I got the job, I realised how passionate I was about horticulture,” she says.

Her experience started with a ten-week internship that gave her a complete overview of how the business works.

“We went interstate to visit Freshmax’s Australian sites, and we were taught by industry professionals about everything that happens throughout the supply chain, from grower to supermarket. It was such a different and valuable education compared to uni.”

It was when her placements started, however, that her talents really came to the fore.

“The thing with these programs is you go in with really fresh eyes,” she says. “I have a really strong passion for sustainability. So, on the side, while I was doing the program, I was also doing little projects and research about ways that they could make the company more sustainable.”

That extra-curricular conscientiousness resulted in a permanent role being offered to Erin.

“I was often encouraged when I’d whip out new ideas,” she explains.

“Freshmax have been really supportive and offered me a role where I can use my skills and passion every day: I’m their Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability Coordinator.”

Erin says that being in a grad position allowed her to dedicate herself to learning all about the business from top to bottom – something that’s allowed her to excel in her new role.

“Your job is to learn, and they know that,” she says.

“As a grad you’re treated differently because people are more accommodating and see a future in where you’re going to go.”

There’s certainly a future where Erin’s going, having finished her program early in order to take on her new role. She is nothing short of thrilled.

“I’ve got a job that I love in my first job, which is just awesome,” she laughs. “I’m so happy about it.”

Attracting new entrants into Australian horticulture – promoting careers in horticulture (LP15006) is funded by the Hort Frontiers Leadership Fund, part of the Hort Frontiers strategic partnership initiative developed by Hort Innovation, with co-investment from Rimfire Resources and contributions from the Australian Government.