Career/Education

[Marrow]

Hi, I'm looking for advice regarding countryside qualifications. I left college and volunteered with btcv, then worked on a min wage scheme as an assistant ROW officer for a year, following this I did an apprentiship as a biodiversity officer for another year. Finally I got a job as a tree surgeon for 3 years. Due to disillusionment with local authority management I have now left this and find myself back out of the trade. I have decided to look at my career direction and am considering returning to education. I tried OU for a few years and have a part Bsc but found it totally impractical and rather dry, plus I have a host of extra courses under my belt. Not having a diploma or degree really seems to be holding me back however so I wanted some advice. Im considering a joint countryside management and events qualification at derby uni as I also help set up and run festivals. Should I sacrifice a few more years in education as its what I really want to do, or should I just keep on trying for jobs ect and working bares till I get there?

[basquesteve]

I have been away from the U.K. far too long to understand the current employment situation . Nevertheless as an old guy I suggest you really consider what you wish to become in the future. If you have a specific goal contact personally the people in those positions now, and find out what qualifications they needed perhaps you have them already or a few yet to get, possibly you must have hands on experience to qualify.
Having masses of diverse qualifications may not necessarily get the career you desire I know of many 35 year olds in full time education who will be probably to old to fulfil their dreams

I wish you the best of luck

Steve

PS Welcome to the forum

[Marrow]

Thanks Steve, from practical experience I can say that I'm equally happy being knee deep in mud with a chainsaw, poking volunteers with sticks or planning grant bids. Not so hot on searching through reams of data for air management policies though. This makes me think ranger work, leading teams of volunteers or teaching is more my thing. Again everywhere I've worked, others have had diplomas, or degrees, even though I was equally capable of the work.

I think education may be a necessary evil if I'm to move forward in the field, if anyone could give me pointers on good courses or ways to break through the academic barrier that would be really helpful.

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by Marrow

.......Should I sacrifice a few more years in education as its what I really want to do, or should I just keep on trying for jobs ect and working bares till I get there?

Yes - get a decent BSc and post-graduate degree if possible you'll then be able to apply for a big range of posts. Then when you have a job you'll be in a position to initiate activity (surveying, management, remediation, whatever) rather than following other peoples' plans. Your OU points might allow you to shorten your BSc course?

It's great to have practical qualifications but perhaps best to do these in post: you could spend a lifetime doing lots of bitty things rather than organising a grand plan! Easier said than done perhaps .....

Good luck!

[basquesteve]

Originally Posted by Marrow

Again everywhere I've worked, others have had diplomas, or degrees, even though I was equally capable of the work.

That's the spirit, I was a rank soldier, some little **** told me I was **** and not up to it, but I became a Commissioned Officer in the Royal Artillery Get your degree !

[Brocakat]

Get as many qualificvation as you possibly can - but I think most people would prefer you to do 'Day-Relase' or pick one with a 'Sandwich' Element.

H.R. ( 'Human Resouorces' ) or 'Personell' in Local Goverrnment seem to prefer a s many qualifications as poss:- Even though I had been a Tree Officer for a year and since that year worked for many, many years at another Local Authority in their Grounds Maintenace Dept,---- when the Tree Officer position was finally created (and I had been seconded to do that person duties for the previous couple of years) -- I applied & wasn't EVEN given the "decency" of an interview !
The person who got the job had attained a ( 4-years) degree. So, - to work even as a L.A. Tree Officer nowadays it would seem you have to have a degree ! And it would also seem the H.R. departments ignore any previous actual experience.

[Marrow]

Thanks, think it may be just what I need to do. Still not sure on the course or Uni but will certainly start my UCAS anyway... Any advice on course types would still be appreciated!!

[shirl]

Hi there

You should be able to transfer your credits from past OU courses so it shouldn't take you too long to get a good degree if that's what you decide to do.There are some other universities where you can do distance learning such as University of London International Programme, Univeristy of Leicester, Derby etc but your choice would depend on the subject area of course.

I think a good degree and work experience will stand you in good stead for getting the job you want. Good luck.

Shirl

[APC]

What job do you actually want to do?

[Marrow]

I'm not 100% set on a certain direction, I enjoyed Rights of Way, habitat management and running grant bids, also enjoy running volunteer groups. Not sure if I would move into self employed consultancy or management. I'm more comfortable with botany/ecology than earth science's, although I can do the maths and chemistry I prefer working with tools and nature.