Join us as we chat with Hollie Bowd, Senior Environmental Health Officer, from Port Hedland, Western Australia, who recently completed the Professional Certificate of Competency in Sewage and Effluent Treatment Technologies.
Discover how this certification has elevated her role, improved her community, and enriched her career. Learn about Hollie’s choice of the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) and the practical insights she has gained for real-world applications.
Candid Conversations with an EIT Graduate: Hollie Bowd
Congratulations on completing this certificate! How has this certification enriched your role as a senior environmental health officer?
Thank you! The Professional Certificate of Competency in Sewage and Effluent Treatment Technologies has significantly enhanced my role as a Senior Environmental Health Officer.
It provided in-depth insights into advanced technologies, enabling me to implement more effective sewage and effluent treatment strategies. This certification empowers me to make informed decisions, ensuring the highest environmental and public health standards in my responsibilities.
Why did you choose EIT?
I chose EIT for its renowned faculty, industry-focused curriculum, and flexible online learning platform. EIT’s practical approach to engineering education aligns with my career goals, allowing me to gain specialized skills while working.
The institute’s global reputation for excellence in engineering education and its emphasis on real-world applications made it the ideal choice for advancing my professional development.
Can you share some of the key insights or practical knowledge you gained from the program that you’ve been able to apply directly to your work?
Certainly! The program equipped me with a profound understanding of innovative sewage and effluent treatment technologies.
I’ve seamlessly applied this knowledge to enhance our environmental health protocols, implementing more efficient and sustainable solutions in my role as a Senior Environmental Health Officer at the Town of Port Hedland.
How do you see the knowledge and skills you acquired in sewage and effluent treatment benefiting the community you serve and the environment in your area?
The acquired knowledge in sewage and effluent treatment empowers me to implement advanced, environmentally friendly practices.
By applying these skills, I contribute to a cleaner and safer community. The improved treatment processes not only enhance public health but also reduce environmental impact, fostering a sustainable and healthier living environment for the residents in my area.
Are there any specific challenges or projects in your current role where the expertise gained through your certification has been particularly valuable?
Absolutely. The expertise gained through my certification has proven invaluable in addressing complex sewage and effluent challenges.
I’ve successfully spearheaded projects to optimize treatment processes, mitigating environmental risks effectively.
The acquired skills have also played a crucial role in navigating regulatory compliance, ensuring that our initiatives align with the highest standards of environmental health and sustainability.
How were you able to balance other commitments in conjunction with your studies? Such as family, work, etc.?
Balancing the program with work and family was demanding but manageable. I prioritized tasks, created a structured study schedule, and communicated my commitments with my family and employer.
Leveraging online resources and staying disciplined allowed me to integrate my studies into my routine effectively. Support from my family and understanding from my workplace was crucial, making the challenging juggle between responsibilities feasible while pursuing the Professional Certificate in Sewage and Effluent Treatment Technologies.
Could you highlight a specific initiative or project related to sewage and effluent treatment that you’re especially proud of or that has had a positive impact on your community?
One project I take pride in is the implementation of an advanced sewage treatment system in our community. The technology, learned through the certification, significantly reduced environmental impact and improved water quality.
This initiative not only enhanced public health but also showcased the community’s commitment to sustainable practices. The positive feedback and measurable improvements in water quality validate the success of this project, reinforcing the importance of adopting advanced sewage and effluent treatment technologies for the overall well-being of our community.
What advice do you have for individuals who are considering pursuing further education or certifications?
It may be challenging, but the rewards are immense.
Develop a realistic schedule, communicate openly with family and employers about your commitment, and leverage online resources for flexibility. The investment in education not only enhances your expertise but also positively impacts your organization and community.
Embrace the opportunity for growth, stay dedicated, and remember that the acquired knowledge will ultimately elevate your skills, making you an even more valuable asset in your field.
What is your favorite engineering joke?
How many consulting engineers do you need to replace a lightbulb? One, but you will be charged $50.