An office on top of the world

Unlike most jobs, kayaks, tramping-boots and climbing-ropes are Holly Officer’s tools of the trade. Armed with a Diploma in Outdoor Leadership and Management Holly enjoys a career that others can only dream about.

As a Tutor for Whenua Iti Outdoors, Holly ‘empowers others to empower themselves’ through a range of programmes for schools, youth and individuals seeking personal development through outdoor adventures. Skills such as teambuilding, leadership and survival are taught through exciting and challenging activities like sea and river kayaking, tramping and mountain biking – to name but a few.

Holly does a double-take and says, “Wow this is what I actually do for a job! I have an office up on Mt Arthur and get to help others through fun activities”.

When asked to describe the ‘best’ thing during the two-year diploma that has opened the doorway to this exciting career Holly can’t seem to choose. Instead, she cites the “amazing” trips, “amazing” lecturers and the “amazing” hands-on-learning experience. 

“Doing work experience is so valuable because you gain experience while meeting people in the industry who can help you to create possible employment pathways.” And this is exactly what happened in Holly’s case!

She is grateful for her lecturer’s support and “welcoming, open-door” policy.  “They are passionate people who are excellent at what they do. They have so much knowledge and skills to share with you but they are also your friends and mentors.”

In the future Holly plans to travel and unleash her outdoor skills and knowledge on the rest of the world. January 2009 will see her heading to Asia, then Europe and South America.