How to get experience whilst doing my degree

[Budding Ecologis]

Hi all,

I am studying an Environmental Conservation degree with the aspiration of becoming an Ecologist / Botanist. I know how competitive it is out there so wondered if anyone had any hints or tips on the types of voluntary work that would make me the most employable. I am based in the south Yorkshire area. I am also hoping to do a year’s work placement in my third year of University, so if anyone knows of anywhere what offers such a programme?

Any help would be great.

[Fuzzy-felt bloke]

Have you spoken to your course tutor or the lecturer who lectures on the ecology modules, they should be able to offer the best advice since they know you, the subject and local organisations.

Fuzzy-Felt Bloke

[gecko]

Get in touch with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (I think they have an office in Sheffield) and ask what projects you can volunteer for, whether that is field based surveys or data entry, it's all worthwhile experience and shows you are prepared to put in the effort.

[Harry Eales]

Originally Posted by Budding Ecologis

Hi all,

I am studying an Environmental Conservation degree with the aspiration of becoming an Ecologist / Botanist. I know how competitive it is out there so wondered if anyone had any hints or tips on the types of voluntary work that would make me the most employable. I am based in the south Yorkshire area. I am also hoping to do a year’s work placement in my third year of University, so if anyone knows of anywhere what offers such a programme?

Any help would be great.

Hello Budding Ecologist.

You could try starting out (whilst your a Student) by applying to the local Forestry Commission H.Q. for a Small Ecological Grant. This is an annual sum of £200.00 paid up front, if your project application is approved, sadly such applications have to be submitted by March each year. So it's too late for this year.

However, if you apply next year, outline your project and make an application it may be of use to you. You could apply right now for the necessary application form which will give you an idea of the requirements for application. I know £200.00 isn't much and the sum hasn't increased since my first application way back in 1995, but it still helps you cover some of your costs and you don't have to write a Thesis, just a reasonably concise report.

I started off this way myself, doing Entomological Surveys. These got picked up by other organisations and I have had numerous contracts from virtually every conservation organisation in Northern England. I'm long retired, and I have so many people wanting me to do surveys for them I have to turn the great majority down. There's not enough days in the year. lol.

I don't need to charge a small fortune, just a moderate rate per day, plus a mileage allowance of 45 or 50p per mile. I know I undercut all the opposition in my area, which is why I keep getting offers of work. Don't overcharge and you'll always have work being offered.

The trick, is to get yourself known to the Conservation Organisations. If you can make your mark with them by doing a good job, then the work will follow.

Good Luck,

Harry

[Budding Ecologis]

Thanks for the information everyone.

To add to this, I was wondering if there is any specific volunteering that I should try and get involved with i.e. alot of the voluntary work is land management based (will this help me increase my field ID skills?)

I am looking at joining the local botany and bat group, but my field skills are currently very limited.

[gecko]

Originally Posted by Budding Ecologis

To add to this, I was wondering if there is any specific volunteering that I should try and get involved with i.e. alot of the voluntary work is land management based (will this help me increase my field ID skills?)

I found this too, with volunteering. However, doing some land management work is a good way to get to know staff of local conservation organisations, and you will often learn new species from the staff or other volunteers.

However, for ID skills it is worth contacting local organisations and stating that this is what you want to learn - they may have cheap/free courses, and staff may invite you to help them with surveys too.