What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I always loved biology, chemistry and languages and I was quite good at these subjects. I never really liked maths and physics but I knew that environmental studies and forestry had some technical and engineering elements. That is why I chose these subjects as the main ones during my college years.
For my final exams, which are equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate, I choose Biology and English. At this stage I didn’t even know how important this language would become in my future life and career.
What is your education to date?
In 2004 I graduated from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW) which is one the oldest agricultural academic schools in Poland. After a five year programme I completed a Master’s Degree in Forestry and Forestry Engineering.
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
My University education gave me a very good background for a better understanding of modern forestry. I was also taught a wide range of subjects associated with environmental protection, health and safety, ergonomics, statistics, IT skills, management and finance.
As forestry becomes more and more complex, these aspects turn out to be essential in my job. And of course all these years of learning English paid off as well.
Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
Coillte and other forestry related institutions in Ireland offer a wide range of training on many aspects of forestry. Over the last two years I have completed a number of short courses, e.g. a Landscape Design Course, GPS training, First Aid, Fire Training, etc. I have also just finished a one year Certificate in Biodiversity Components of Forestry at UCC.
In the future I would like to learn more about environmental education and forest recreation. I am also going to take up a training which will improve my management and business skills.
