[neldadog]

Well done Holly Tree in getting a job in consultancy it really isnt easy and you have worked very hard to get there - best of luck for the future!

You easily had enough experience to be a graduate consultant, I really think it is down to a bit of luck when you get the job. Of course a lot of hard work in the meantime does pay off!

I got into consultancy fairly easily, yes I had exprience but to be quite honest I think I was just at the right place at the right time. I have several friends who are more experienced than me and still havent got jobs.

I would issue a word of advice to any other graduates wanting to get into consultancy that has not as yet been mentioned - office and report writing duties, admin etc.

An earlier post stated this as the 'easy' bit. Such duties are very important, and to be honest, the more dominant role of a consultant. As you get more experience within the comapny you will find a good proportion of your time will be spent report writing, filling, auditing, sitting in meetings, talking to clients, preparing costings, tendering etc. This work doesnt just rest with the senior ecologists, beleive me!

The world of ecological consultancy is very commercial, you are as much a business person as an ecological surveyor. This is to be honest, why a lot of people leave the sector (as well as the long hours!). One of the main reasons employers I have worked for say they reject certain applicants is beacuase they can't see how they would be commerically viable, irrespective of field skills!

I know such office experience is next to impossible to get, but if you at least ensure you understand the business side at an interview you would probebly stand a better chance of getting the job.

Hope this in some way helps other budding ecologists!