When Mya Hartley reflects on her path from Scots College to the United Nations, she traces it back to one defining trait: curiosity. It guided her subject choices, shaped her university experience, and ultimately led her to a career at the intersection of environmental science and international affairs.

Before joining Scots in Year 12, she had already completed the IB Global Politics course, a subject that opened her eyes to the theories underpinning international relations and the historical events that continue to influence global systems. That year of study left her with more questions than answers, and she knew she would eventually return to the discipline. At Scots, enrolling in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme allowed her to continue exploring global issues while also branching into environmental science. She chose Environmental Systems and Societies to meet her science requirement, drawn to its blend of scientific and humanities-based thinking and its inherently international focus. Passionate teachers made both subjects come alive, and their influence helped shape the direction she would take after graduation.

At university in Brisbane, she continued to follow her interests rather than a predetermined career plan. She selected Coastal and Ocean Science because it offered a balance of biology, coastal processes, and management – and, she admits, an irresistible list of field trips. Her extended major in International Relations complemented her growing interest in how countries govern and protect marine environments, particularly in areas like the High Seas where transboundary cooperation is essential. She added a minor in Advanced French to strengthen her fluency and prepare for a future in international affairs, alongside a minor in Marine Biology.

Her fieldwork experiences became some of the most defining moments of her degree. Over four years, she joined research teams conducting dugong skin sampling, humpback whale surveys, coral identification, and lagoon studies. She spent time at the University of Queensland’s Heron Island research station, where she swam alongside reef sharks and endangered turtles. These experiences were exhilarating, but they also served as powerful reminders of the fragility and wonder of the natural world – reinforcing her desire to protect it.

Leadership also played a significant role in her development. Unsure how to begin building a professional network in a new country, she followed a careers advisor’s suggestion to join a student club. After attending the Geography and Environmental Management and Science Society’s AGM, she was elected Industry Coordinator and spent the year organising networking events and securing sponsorships. Her commitment earned the trust of her peers, who encouraged her to run for President the following year. The role expanded her skills in marketing, event management, finance, and governance, and ultimately led to her first professional role as a Project Assistant with one of the club’s sponsor companies.

Today, she is interning with the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), part of the United Nations Environment Programme in Bonn, Germany. Her work ranges from drafting conservation content and researching international collaborations to presenting cetacean stranding data to delegates from more than ten countries. The variety suits her perfectly.

Looking ahead, she hopes to continue developing her diplomatic skills and pursue a career in international environmental governance, particularly in relation to cetacean conservation and the management of the High Seas.

Her advice to Scots students is simple: follow your curiosity. Explore widely, find the niche that excites you, stay informed, think critically – and learn a language.