Wildlife Conservation Career Insight by LJMUCareers

Wildlife Conservation CAREER INSIGHT

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Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

Introduction A degree in Wildlife Conservation from Liverpool John Moores University will open many doors in terms of career choices. LJMU students often ask what career options are open to them as a result of studying their particular subject so here we provide some examples of employment sectors and typical jobs that are linked to your degree in Wildlife Conservation. We highlight the importance of the skills developed during your degree together with links to relevant careers information/vacancy websites for you to start your research. Researching your future career is important, as employers are increasingly looking for relevant experience. If you are looking to do further study or research it may also be important to think about selecting your modules carefully early on. You should also consider setting up a LinkedIn profile and following relevant organisations via Twitter. Many employers use social media to post work experience opportunities so take advantage of this to help you make links with potential employers and find out more about what opportunities are out there. Whilst many students will look for a career directly related to their degree (and many Wildlife Conservation students do) it is also important to remember that this is by no means the only career route to consider. There are opportunities to enter a wide range of careers that are not directly related to your degree subject. For example, there are many Graduate Training Schemes (within both the public and private sector) and many of these employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject (see below for more information about Graduate Training Schemes).

Career opportunities after a Wildlife Conservation degree…. A degree in Wildlife Conservation can lead to a diverse range of employment and postgraduate study opportunities. If you wish to pursue a career directly related to your degree then your employer may be a conservation charity or NGO; a local authority; a government department or agency; an ecological or conservation research institution or a zoo or wildlife sanctuary. You may also consider working in the private sector in organisations linked closely to natural resources (e.g. utilities companies), or within company sustainability departments or ecological/environmental and engineering consultancies (e.g. ARUP, WSP etc). Recent Wildlife Conservation graduates for example have gone on to secure positions as Conservation Rangers, Environmental Consultants, Research Ecologists, and Conservation Policy Interns and to take various postgraduate degrees such as MSc’s and PhD’s. Below we have provided more information on working in the conservation sector and the environmental sector, although these sections are spilt (to make it more accessible) these sectors are often overlapping and do not exist in isolation. The examples below should give an indication of the types of jobs and employers you could consider to allow you to start your career research but they are by no means exhaustive. We advise you to keep an open mind when researching careers and looking for jobs and explore all opportunities to allow you to find what you find of most interest.

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Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

Conservation Sector You may wish to work as a conservation practitioner managing or monitoring the landscape and biodiversity within it or advising those that do; if so you may wish to work for organisations such as Wildlife Trusts, county councils or conservation NGOs like the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust or Wildfowl and Wetland Trust. Jobs in this sector include Conservation officers, Conservation Rangers or Conservation Researchers and Ecologists. Organisations in this sector may also educate and reconnect people and communities with the environment and staff within these organisations work in roles such as Environmental Education Officers or Community Officers or even Forest School Organisers/Managers. Organisations such as Natural England or the Forestry Commission manage large areas of land, advise on, and implement government policy such as designation of protected areas. They have positions as Scientific Advisors and Policy Advisors. Organisations such as the World Conservation Monitoring Centre also provide such advice on a global scale collating data from research across the world and using it to inform conservation actions around the world such as ways to reduce deforestation. Organisations such as the RSPB and the Forestry Commission will run both local and national projects and organisations such as Birdlife International and Plantlife also have international projects. Global conservation NGOs such as The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Conservation International (CI) and World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) employ national and international teams. Many zoos and botanic gardens also manage large national and international conservation projects and employ Scientific or Conservation Officers. They also play an important role in educating the public and so employ Education Officers. Zoos and sanctuaries also employ Keepers and Behaviour specialists who look after the welfare of the animals and may carry out investigations into their behaviour. Other roles where behaviour and welfare is important include animal hospitals. You can also find employment using your conservation and ecology skills as an ecological consultant, with ecological, environmental and engineering consultancies. Examples of these include ARUP, ADAS and WSP. Links to these organisations websites can be found below. Environment Sector You may also consider a range of jobs in the wider environmental sector. Such jobs often involve working to manage the impact of development or agriculture on biodiversity and ecosystems. This may involve working in the government sector for organisations such as the Environment Agency, Natural England, DEFRA (Department for the Environment and Rural Affairs) or DFID (Department for International Development). All require scientific advisors. You could also find employment as an ecological or environmental consultant. An ecological consultant may carry out or manage activities such as protected species surveys for example seabird species, newts or bats. They will also have a good understanding of conservation legislation. An environmental consultant has a similar role but may also have a broader approach and carry out assessment of environmental impact (biodiversity, water quality, air quality etc.) of development projects i.e. windfarms, power stations. Many companies will now have sustainability teams that will manage and assess the impact of their activities and supply chains on the environment. These include multinational companies such as Unilever, SABMiller, Nestle, BP and increasingly smaller companies. They employ sustainability

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Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

advisors or more specific roles such as a Water & Food Security Analyst. Management Consultancy companies such as Price Waterhouse Coopers and E&Y (Ernst and Young) are also increasingly working in the sustainability/environmental sector. Corporate organisations such as these will run graduate training schemes (see section below on Graduate Training Schemes). As you can see the ‘Environmental and Conservation Sectors’ have a range of opportunities available and job satisfaction can be immense. Below is a list of some broad occupational areas to give you additional ideas of the breadth of options. The jobs within them can be very varied so be prepared to be flexible in your search for employment and job role expectations: •

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Agriculture and Soil Science - Emerging biotechnologies will play a larger role in creating more global food supplies, resulting in a range of job opportunities, from research to farm management consultancy. Corporate Social Responsibility – Many businesses now have CSR policies, making it a growth area. Policies outline how the business will behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of staff, local communities and society – including environmental and conservation concerns. Campaigning - most train and work in specialist skills such as science, law, IT, PR and marketing. Drinking Water Quality and Wastewater Management - The increasing population and growth of the economy over the long-term is likely to boost demand for essential water and wastewater services. Eco Art – Can serve different purposes such as helping to educate people about environmental problems or by aesthetically improving environments. Eco Tourism and Recreation – ‘Green’ tourism, outdoor pursuits and working holidays, which achieve a balance between conservation and recreation, are becoming more popular with increasing wealth, travel and leisure time over the long-term. Education - New values towards the environment, skills for managing it and knowledge to understand it means more demand for university courses and research, school curriculum development, as well as professional training courses. Energy - With climate change a global priority, demand is growing for technologists, engineers and managers who can improve energy efficiency in the home and workplace, and develop renewable technologies. Environmental Engineering and Eco-design - Tighter regulation and specifications will stimulate the R&D market and manufacture of new, energy efficient, cleaner plants and production equipment. Environmental Health – Environmental health officials involved in protecting people from environmental health risks have increasing opportunities to diversify into other fields in central government, consultancies and private sector as well as in the developing world, where they work to ensure sustainable development. Environmental Impact Assessment and Auditing - EU legislation and its UK implementation will mean more jobs for environmental auditing and assessment, especially in smaller organisations. Environmental Law, Development Control and Regulation - A key driving force behind many environmental initiatives has been the rapid increase in environmental law and legislation, especially from the European Union. Increasing litigation is creating a new discipline of environmental advocacy.

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Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

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Environmental Risk - Growing trend of employment in modelling and risk assessment as decision-makers in private consultancies (on behalf of clients) as well as NGOs attempt to make best use of environmental data. Ethical Marketing – Roles such as advertising, PR, product development, sponsorship and research. Financial Management - environmental economics is a relatively new growth area, which covers ethical investments, mortgages, and enterprise development. Fisheries – Very competitive, particularly at the lower entry points. Numbers employed in water companies are fairly stable with growth in public sector and private consultancy carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other environmental management work. Flood Defence and Coastal Erosion Risk Engineering - Sea level rise and changes in weather patterns means flood and coastal erosion risk management is becoming a high priority political issue, with Government investing in R&D. Food Production - With increasing demand for (organic) food, many farmers, food processors and retailers will need advice, training, accreditation and consultancy from environmental professionals. Forestry - Tree cover is expanding in the UK. Amenity tree care and new disciplines such as urban, environmental and social forestry are emerging. Community woods and educational forests are new trends. Environmental Research, Mapping & Measurement - Includes research on environmental sustainability, enviro-informatics, human health and the environment, marine management and waste management. Environmental information systems, software and the management of environmental data are clear growth areas in the environmental career market - including GIS and IT professions. Geology - employment has shifted from oil and gas to environmental consulting firms, which are likely to increase hiring. Journalism - News about environmental and conservation issues is now provided constantly, affording opportunities in newspapers, magazines, web sites or television news. Landscape - Urban regeneration is a Government priority creating jobs in planning, design and maintenance. Charities and agencies have been set up to co-ordinate green spaces, including Lottery-funded restorations. Marine Conservation – The threat of climate change should create roles in planning and managing activities that impact on marine life. Nature Conservation and Biodiversity - Conservation covers rural and urban landscapes; flora and fauna; recreation and education; and maintenance and enhancement of the environment. Biodiversity embraces efforts to protect wildlife. With declining biodiversity, there is some growth in jobs related to research and monitoring biodiversity as well as conservation and restoration management although it isn’t a huge employer compared to others in the environmental sector. Policy - All local authorities, Government departments and agencies like National Parks or the Crown Estate now employ environmental professionals, as policies and strategies need proofing for their inclusion of sustainable development. Pollution Control (water / air / land quality) - With many aspects of air and water pollution improving, there is relatively more focus on the monitoring and remediation of contaminated land, as pressure mounts for housing and commercial development in post-industrial urban areas.

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Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

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Regeneration (sustainable) - With the demand for more housing development, urban regeneration, sustainable design and reused building materials, there is a need for environmental professionals to work in teams with architects, surveyors, property developers, designers and planners. Transport & Logistics - As a major contributor to climate change, transport and travel organisations as well as manufacturers will have to employ or contract more environmental professionals to work alongside engineers, designers and logistics managers. Sustainable travel initiatives exist such as ‘Sustrans’. Waste Management & Recycling - As one of the poorest waste managers in the Europe, there is mounting pressure, and hence increasing jobs, for giving advice to householders and businesses, zero waste management, recycling, and the market development of recyclates. Waterways - Canals are being restored in recognition of their social and environmental benefits. Freight is also making a modest return. Biodiversity and managing ecological balance are becoming important. Wildlife management - Scientists; wildlife management consultants, communication and education specialists; and enforcement officers need to work together with industry, governments, local authorities, NGOs, landowners, nature reserves and communities to protect wildlife. Youth and Community Work - Volunteer managers and community workers will increasingly require professional experience as environmental volunteering becomes

Getting into environmental / conservation roles Even if you have an appropriate degree and/or post-graduate qualification, many employers look for candidates with a good deal of relevant work experience – even for the junior level jobs. Those with 6 to 12 month’s experience, through placements or volunteering, have more options. Although further study or postgraduate research is essential for some roles, for other positions do not assume that it will automatically set you apart from other candidates; work experience is often the key to success in such cases. If you can’t find a graduate level position, be prepared to ‘get your foot in the door’ through temporary or part-time jobs with organisations - that way, you might be in the right place at the right time if a more relevant job comes up. Make sure you have the right practical skills for the job, e.g. you might benefit from undertaking a species identification course to boost your CV. Most employers will look for a range of personal skills (e.g. communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to work as part of a team, flexibility), in addition to your academic knowledge and disciplinespecific skills. They will also expect you to have a good knowledge of what they do, the organisation’s values and business focus as well as the challenges or issues it might face on a regular basis. Keep up to date with what is happening in the environmental and conservation sector through many of the websites listed below in the ‘Useful Career/Vacancy sources’ section.

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Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

What skills have I gained from my Wildlife Conservation degree? Wildlife Conservation students acquire a wide range of skills and qualities that are valuable in many professions. The combination of numerical and analytical skills are highly sought after by many sectors of employment. Some of the specific skills gained while doing a degree in Wildlife Conservation at LJMU include: • • • • • • •

Research skills Critical reasoning, analytical and evaluation skills Ability to handle and analyse complex data Written and oral communication skills (through written work, group work etc.) Time management and organisation Monitoring and recording Independent work skills including time management and self-motivation

To help you communicate your skills to employers on CV’s and application forms, we have broken down the ‘key professional skills’ you will have developed whilst studying Wildlife Conservation at LJMU. We have given you examples by level of study on the next page.

Key Professional Skills Developed at L4 L4 Module 4209NATSCI Ecology

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Key Skills for your CV Field-based competency Collection, analysis and presentation of data in a report

Used in: Many professional roles but particularly in the environmental sector.

4203NATSCI Skills for Wildlife Conservation

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Species identification Field-based competency

Many professional roles, including consultancy, research and conservation management sector.

4305NATSCI Environment, Society & Sustainability

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Most professional roles.

4207NATSCI Evolution & Inheritance

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Data logging & presentation Field observations on sustainability Fundamental laboratory skills Biological importance of biodiversity

4000NATSCI Fundamentals of Scientific Research

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4208NATSCI Animal Behaviour

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Quantitative and qualitative skills in statistical analysis and interpretation of data Synthesis and [written and oral] communication of findings Data interpretation based on animal behaviour

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Any environmental related role. Many graduate- level professions. Biomedical posts. Most scientific careers. Any conservation related role. Most professional roles. Research related roles.

Many professional roles including those in zoos and aquaria.

Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

Key Professional Skills Developed at L5 L5 Module 5010NATSCI Wildlife and Ecosystem Management

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5006NATSCI Ecology Field Skills

5021NATSCI Research Skills and Employability

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5024NATSCI Plant and Animal Identification

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5017NATSCI Animal Behaviour

5015NATSCI Primate Adaptation and Behaviour

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5004NATSCI Marine and Freshwater Biology

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5005NATSCI Wildlife Forensics

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Key Skills for your CV Key theory and methods to address wildlife management issues Fieldwork planning, execution and hypothesis testing Advanced report writing GIS Phase I Habitat Surveys NVC surveys Report writing Design research protocol, data collection, statistical analyses using SPSS, and data interpretation Self-awareness, CV building, awareness of employer organisational structure (CM) Skills in identifying major plant and animal groups using keys Surveying techniques Different behavioural observation methods Scientific report writing Experimental design Statistical analysis Behavioural observation Presentation skills (oral and poster) Primate Diversity & Conservation Field and laboratory techniques for marine and freshwater biota Techniques for the analysis of chemical characteristics of water Light microscopy Statistical analyses and report writing Animal identification using indirect evidence Data analysis and presentation Light microscopy: use of microscope to measure and record data

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Used in: Most professional roles, including consultancy, research and conservation management sector.

Consultancy roles. Environmental sector. Conservation management. All professional roles.

Most environmental sector roles including consultancy, conservation management and environmental monitoring. Research in systematics. Behavioural scientist. Many professional roles.

Many professional roles.

Roles in the marine and/or freshwater environmental sector. Environmental consultancy. Research.

Any role that requires animal tracking and identification. Zoos and conservation organizations. Customs and legal professional roles.

Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

• 5113NATSCI Environmental Systems and Human Impacts

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Dealing with evidence for use in legal investigations Laboratory analysis of environmental samples Identification of sources, fate and toxicity of environmental pollutants of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems Advanced report writing

Roles in the Environment Sector.

Key Professional Skills Developed at L6 L6 Module 6000NATSCI Research Project

6015NATSCI Sustainable Natural Heritage 6022NATSCI Contemporary Issues in Conservation

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6001NATSCI Workbased Learning for Credit (and for those who completed Professional Training) 6008NATSCI Animal Welfare

6011NATSCI Frontiers of Ecology

6026NATSCI Animal Social Systems

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Key Skills for your CV Project Development & Management Interview & Survey skills Advanced data analysis Professional Standard Conference Presentation Ability

Used in: Most professional roles with particular reference to your chosen subject.

Quantitative analysis of population viability of threatened species (PVA) IUCN Red Listing protocols Understanding of the impact that complex socioeconomic conditions have on species and habitat conservation Very many employable skills – see your Learning Agreement for skills specific to your placement

Threatened species management; roles in community-conservation; conservation research posts (including further study to MSc and PhD levels).

Critically analyse behavioural problems and communicate realistic solutions Group work Experimental design Data analysis Critical evaluation and discussion of ecological studies

Important when working with captive animals. Most professional roles.

Critical evaluation of empirical studies on animal behaviour. Designing studies of animal behaviour Formulating and testing hypotheses Conference poster

Further academic study (e.g. Masters, PhD) relating to animal behaviour.

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Most professional roles.

Specific roles similar to your placement but there are always transferable skills that can be applied to most professional roles.

Most professional roles. Further academic study (e.g. Masters, PhD).

Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

6016NATSCI Tropical Expedition

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6111NATSCI River Pollution

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Expedition planning, design, and scientific project management. Experimental design Data analysis and interpretation

Most professional roles.

Advanced ability to investigate and analyse river pollution issues Professional Standard Consultancy Reporting Ability

Roles in the Environment Sector.

Further academic study (e.g. Masters, PhD).

Most professional roles.

Exploring job options If you are interested in any of the jobs /careers mentioned above it is important that you start to research these roles and check the entry requirements. There are plenty of useful links within this careers insight to help you do this. You could start exploring job options via the prospects.ac.uk website and use the ‘What can I do with my degree?’ link. Whilst they do not have Wildlife Conservation listed, Environmental Science can be a good starting point: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/options_with_your_subject.htm Your options within the Environmental and Conservation Field include: • • • • • •

Nature Conservation Officer: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/nature_conservation_officer_job_description.htm Environmental Consultant: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/environmental_consultant_job_description.htm Environmental Manager: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/environmental_manager_job_description.htm Horticultural Manager: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/horticulturalm a nager.aspx Ecologist: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/ecologist_job_description.htm Soil Scientist: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/soil_scientist_job_description.htm

Some example options working with animals include: • • • • • •

Animal Nutritionist: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/animal_nutritionist_job_description.htm Animal Technician: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/animal_technologist_job_description.htm Veterinary Surgeon (following completion of another four/five year course): http://www.prospects.ac.uk/veterinary_surgeon_job_description.htm Veterinary Nurse: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/education/i-want-to-be-a-veterinary-nurse/ Zookeeper:https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/zo okeeper.aspx Zoologist:https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/zool ogist.aspx

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Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

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RSPCA Inspector: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/rspcaorsspcai nspector.aspx

These are just suggestions and you are by no means restricted to these job areas and could use your skills, interests and work experience to enter careers in a variety of other sectors, including research, marketing, retail, consultancy, finance and accountancy. To explore job options by sector, check http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm. You can also use career planning tools like http://www.prospects.ac.uk/myprospects_planner_login.htm and http://targetjobs.co.uk/careersreport to generate initial career ideas. Ensure you check entry requirements for each area, e.g. will you need a degree in a specific subject? Is a 2:1 degree classification essential? Will you need to complete a postgraduate degree? Is any specific work experience required? Being aware of the range of options open to you is important to make an informed career decision. Researching different career pathways and entry requirements is essential preparation for your graduate career, so ensure you make the most of available resources, attend career events or employer talks, join relevant professional bodies and take every opportunity to network with professionals to find out as much as possible about the career areas that interest you. We also recommend that you download a copy of our “Planning your Career” guide from the World of Work website at https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/123871.htm. This includes a list of useful questions to help you explore your career options.

Looking for work experience If you wish to work within some of the above fields, then as mentioned, it is a very good idea to gain relevant work experience during your degree course. Valuable experience can be gained by doing a placement year, spending the year between your second and final year in industry. However you can also consider shorter periods of work experience, relevant volunteering, work shadowing or research opportunities in your department. Many undergraduate students secure work experience through a ‘speculative’ or ‘creative’ approach, i.e. after contacting organisations directly through networking events, via email or through LinkedIn.

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Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

Some research organisations and pharmaceutical or consumer goods companies offer summer or year-long placements in both scientific and non-scientific roles. Examples of such companies include AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, P&G, the Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK. Check their websites for details and closing dates. Example organisations offering work experience/internships/ project placements: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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The Conservation Volunteers - http://www.tcv.org.uk The Wildlife Trusts - http://www.wildlifetrusts.org Green Volunteers - http://www.greenvolunteers.com/en/index.php Frontier - http://www.frontier.ac.uk/ Traveller’s World - http://www.travellersworldwide.com The Conservation Volunteers - http://www.tcv.org.uk/ Friends of the Earth - http://www.foe.co.uk/ British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys The Mammal Society http://www.mammal.org.uk/ Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) - www.rspca.org.uk/home The Blue Cross - https://www.bluecross.org.uk/ The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/ Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) http://www.rspb.org.uk/ Wellcome Trust: http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/About-us/Jobs/Work-placements-andinternships/index.htm Change Agents UK - paid work placements for graduates (1-24 months) http://changeagents.org.uk/graduate-recruitment National Trust – offers internships and skills training opportunities, in addition to volunteering www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk/join-us STEP programme – internships for undergraduates (Step Classic) and graduates (Step Graduate) with a small or medium sized company. Some placements have an environmental focus www.step.org.uk Blackpool Zoo - www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk/employment.cfm Chester Zoo - www.chesterzoo.org/footer/careers Knowsley Safari Park - www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/?/vacancies.html North West Ecological Trust - http://nwecotrust.org.uk/ Operation Wallacea runs international field expeditions for students - http://opwall.com/

You can also use vacancy websites such as www.prospects.ac.uk, www.targetjobs.co.uk, www.ratemyplacement.co.uk to search for work placements. You can also download our mini-guide on “Making yourself employable whilst at University” from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/123871.htm for an overview of the different types of work experience available and some general suggestions about finding work experience opportunities. Some large employers may offer summer or year-long sandwich placements, but this depends on the type of industry. These are quite common in the financial and accounting, marketing, legal, retail, and business and consultancy sectors. Opportunities are generally advertised on websites like Prospects, Targetjobs or Milkround as well as the organisations’ own websites. Many placement schemes are

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Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

open to students from any degree discipline. Check your eligibility before making an application, as some summer placements are specifically aimed at second-year students. LJMU has been managing a summer internship programme for Level 5 students in recent years, so keep an eye on your LJMU inbox for details of any opportunities. Useful websites to research a range of voluntary opportunities include http://www.do-it.org.uk/ http://www.volunteeringliverpool.org.uk/ and http://www.Frontier.ac.uk/. You could also contact LJMU Volunteering Manager Chris Prescott on 0151 904 6356 or c.j.prescott@ljmu.ac.uk to enquire about current opportunities. It is also worth researching relevant organisations/charities and contacting them directly to find out about voluntary roles on offer. There are further links below to help you with this research.

Further Study Postgraduate qualifications For a number of employment positions you may want to increase your competitive edge and develop your skills further by studying for a postgraduate qualification. If you plan to work in the conservation practice or commercial sector, an MSc would be suitable, however if you want to conduct research within an area you may wish to complete a research postgraduate degree such as MPhil or PhD instead of or in addition to an MSc. MSc - A number of students use postgraduate studies to develop their skills in a particular area of wildlife conservation such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS), UAV technology, ecosystem services or combine their skills with wider knowledge in environmental science, environmental engineering or international development. Examples of relevant MSc’s you could consider include: • General Wildlife Conservation MSc’s - University of Chester and Anglia Ruskin University • MSc Wildlife Management and Conservation – University of Reading • MRes Wildlife Conservation – University of Southampton Specialist Areas • MSc Wildlife Conservation and UAV Technology – Liverpool John Moores University • MSc Wildlife Conservation and Primate Behaviour – Liverpool John Moores University • Landscape Ecology with Geographical Information Systems - University of Greenwich You can search for Masters courses on www.findamasters.com. If you wish to carry out research in the UK or internationally you may wish to complete a PhD or other research degree such as an MPhil. Research degrees are normally funded so you will receive a stipend (tax free income to live on) and your tuition fees will be paid. You apply for an MPhil or PhD like you would a job. A research degree is the first step to a career in academic research but can also lead to jobs in global NGO’s such as the World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy or policy related jobs such as at WCMC. You can research PhD opportunities at www.findaphd.com or at www.jobs.ac.uk.

Graduate Training Schemes In addition to the options mentioned above, there are lots of Graduate Training Schemes with large companies and many employers accept applications from graduates with ANY degree subject. If you

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Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

are interested in these roles you will need to be aware of the graduate recruitment cycle. Many recruiters begin the graduate recruitment process during the autumn term for final year students. Some placements are advertised then as well. Most closing dates are in November and December but some are earlier so it is important to start researching companies that you want to apply to early on. The application process for graduate training schemes usually involves completing an online application form, which may require you to answer ‘competency based questions’. This may be followed by psychometric tests, a telephone interview and an assessment centre. You may also need to submit your CV. Most of the large recruiters have a section on the student/graduate pages of their website that outlines the different steps of their selection process, so check these to find out what is required. For more information about graduate schemes, download the ‘Graduate Schemes’ guide from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/123871.htm. Many of these opportunities are advertised in the Prospects Directory and the Targetjobs Directory (available from the World of Work Careers Centre or on the Prospects and Targetjobs website); on websites like www.milkround.com as well as on the organisations’ own websites. Check out the Target Jobs website for more information: http://targetjobs.co.uk/graduate-schemes. We also deliver a Graduate Schemes uncovered workshop on a regular basis at the World of Work Careers Centre. To reserve a place on the workshop visit: https://worldofwork.ljmu.ac.uk/events/

Example Environmental, Earth and Natural Sciences Graduate Training Schemes: AECOM http://www.aecom.com/content/uk-ireland-graduate-careers/ Atkins Graduate Programme http://careers.atkinsglobal.com/careers-for-graduates-in-the-uk JBA Graduate Programme http://www.jbaconsulting.com/graduate-environmental-jobs Mott MacDonald https://www.mottmac.com/careers/graduate/ Centrica https://www.centrica.com/careers Mouchel http://www.mouchel.com/working-for-us/graduates-andapprentices/ United Utilities www.unitedutilities.com/Jobs.aspx Yorkshire Water www.yorkshirewater.com/careers.aspx CH2M http://www.ch2m.com/careers ADAS http://www.adas.uk/ADAS-Careers?a=3#GraduateProgramme Thomson Ecology (Graduate Ecologists) http://www.thomsonecology.com/careers_positions Forestry Commission http://www.forestry.gov.uk/graduate Wellcome Trust Graduate Development Programme http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/aboutus/jobs/graduate-development-programme/index.htm

Recruitment schedule Recruitment cycles and deadlines will vary depending on the type of work you are applying for. Again, research is key to ensure that you do not miss relevant opportunities. As a rule of thumb, the selection process takes longer in larger organisations, as they tend to receive a higher number of applications and use several different stages to reduce the number of potential candidates. As a result, application deadlines can be as early as November in your final year of study for a start date in August or September of the following year. If you are considering postgraduate study, find out if there are any

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

specific closing dates for applications. Bear in mind that some postgraduate courses, e.g. in teacher training, may require you to demonstrate a significant amount of relevant work experience so start looking for opportunities early on in your course. Opportunities also exist in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These types of organisations don’t usually have structured graduate training schemes but will recruit ‘as required’. They may use their own application form but most applications will be by CV and covering letter. These positions will be advertised on company websites, relevant recruitment websites and national and local newspapers. The ‘creative’ or ‘speculative’ approach to job hunting, outlined above, is also important when looking for graduate roles. Using your personal contacts and/or approaching organisations speculatively to look for work are common routes into employment. In this sector, it is not uncommon to secure a graduate role with an employer a candidate had previously completed work experience with, so gaining experience and building up a network of professional contacts is important. For more information about the speculative approach to job hunting, download a copy of our guide to ‘The Hidden Jobs Market’ from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/123871.htm You can get advice about the recruitment process by booking a one-to-one appointment with a careers or employability adviser or you can attend relevant workshops in the World of Work Careers Centre. Some examples of the destinations of our former Wildlife Conservation graduates include: • • • • • • •

Matthew Wilcoxon (graduated 2007), Countryside and Greenspace Team Leader, Shrewsbury Town Council Rob Nicholson (graduated 2008), Ecology Consultant, ADAS UK ltd, Angela Creevy (graduated 2011), Soil Ecology Apprentice, University of Highlands & Islands Wendy O’Neil (graduated 2013 ) PhD Liverpool John Moores University (with Natural England and Wildife Trust) Charis Russell Smith (graduated 2015) Graduate Ecologist, WSP Global Alison McNulty (graduated 2015) MSc Advanced Biology Sciences, University of Liverpool Helen Mason (graduated 2015) MRes Conservation and Resource Management, University of Liverpool

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

•

Useful links and websites Careers Information / Vacancy websites: Professional Associations Societies and professional bodies can be a good source of careers information (see suggested links below) and many have careers pages. Each and every occupational area will normally have at least one society and/or a professional body associated with it – if you aren’t sure which society represents the sort of discipline that interests you, ask your tutor or lecturer for ideas. •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management - information about ecology and environmental jobs in different employment sectors plus a downloadable booklet, ‘Rooting for a Career in Ecology or Environmental Management’: www.cieem.net/employment-sectors Institution of Environmental Sciences - case study videos plus details of its mentoring scheme, talks and opportunities for members to network with professionals: www.the-ies.org/careers British Ecological Society www.britishecologicalsociety.org Botanical Society of the British Isles www.bsbi.org.uk/ Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) http://www.wcs.org/ Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) http://www.ieep.eu/ Institute of Zoology http://www.zsl.org/science The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) http://www.biaza.org.uk/home (contains careers guides for working in conservation/animals) Royal Society of Biology www.rsb.org.uk/careers-and-cpd/careers/career-resources Lantra (Sector Skills Council for land based and environmental industries) www.lantra.co.uk/ Institute of Environment Management and Assessment http://www.iema.net/ Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management has job profiles for a range of employment sectors: www.ciwem.org/information-and-resources/careers.aspx Chartered Institution of Waste Management www.ciwm.co.uk/CIWM/CIWMHome.aspx Royal Horticulture Society www.rhs.org.uk Society for Conservation Biology http://conbio.org/ http://careers.conbio.org/

Environment/Conservation Roles e.g. ecologist, ecological surveyor, environmental consultant, conservation worker, zoo assistant, trainee park ranger, biodiversity assistant, policy & education assistant (NB: conservation-related roles in particular are often voluntary in the first instance). Natural England https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england Environmental Jobs www.environmentjob.co.uk Countryside Jobs http://www.countryside-jobs.com/ Change Agents http://www.changeagents.org.uk National Trust http://www.ntjobs.org.uk/ DEFRA https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-ruralaffairs Environment Agency https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency Nature Publishing Group http://www.nature.com/ Earthworks-jobs.com http://www.earthworks-jobs.com/index.shtml Conservation Jobs http://www.conservation-jobs.co.uk/ Naturenet http://www.naturenet.net/people/careers.html

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

Nature Jobs http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/ Bat Conservation Trust http://www.bats.org.uk/pages/vacancies.html Conservation International http://www.conservation.org/Pages/default.aspx Butterfly Conservation http://butterfly-conservation.org/ Swift Conservation http://www.swift-conservation.org/ Freshwater Habitats Trust http://www.freshwaterhabitats.org.uk/ Bumblebee Conservation Trust http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ Conservation careers http://www.conservation-careers.com/ ENDS Directory (allows you to search for Environmental Consultancies) www.endsdirectory.com Green Jobs http://www.greenjobs.co.uk/ Green Roles http://www.greenroles.co.uk/ Horticultural Careers information www.growcareers.info Wildlife Trusts, links for the 47 UK trusts www.wildlifetrusts.org Wildfowl and Wetland Trust http://www.wwt.org.uk/ Useful information on environment, biodiversity and wildlife management careers: www.kent.ac.uk/careers/Environment.htm?CMP Prospects.ac.uk - select either ‘Environment’ or ‘Scientific services’ for occupational profiles: www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm New Scientist Jobs http://jobs.newscientist.com/en-gb/ Academic, science and research jobs http://www.jobs.ac.uk/ • Videos: Environmental Career Videos by Job Type from icould.com Other Example Employers AB Agri ADAS AECOM Atkins APEM (Environmental Consultants) Black and Veatch JBA Consulting (Flood risk consultancy) Just Ecology (environmental consultancy) ExxonMobil United Utilities Thompson Ecology Yorkshire Water Rivers Trust The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology

http://www.abagri.com http://www.adas.uk/ www.aecom.com/Careers/Student+Connections www.atkinsglobal.com/careers http://www.apemltd.co.uk/about http://bv.com/ http://www.jbaconsulting.com/ http://www.justecology.co.uk/index.php www.exxonmobil.co.uk/UK-English/HR/careers.aspx www.unitedutilities.com/Jobs.aspx www.thomsonecology.com/careers_positions www.yorkshirewater.com/careers.aspx http://www.theriverstrust.org/ www.ceh.ac.uk/personnel/index.html

Science Communication: Association of British Science Writers British Science Association European Medical Writers Association PSCI-COM (discussion list)

www.absw.org.uk http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/ www.emwa.org www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/psci-com.html

Research Councils: Research Councils UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Economic and Social Research Council Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Medical Research Council

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

www.rcuk.ac.uk www.bbsrc.ac.uk www.esrc.ac.uk www.epsrc.ac.uk www.mrc.ac.uk

Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

Natural Environment Research Council Science and Technology Facilities Council

www.nerc.ac.uk http://www.stfc.ac.uk/

‘Next Steps: Options after a Bioscience Degree’ - This not-for-profit resource was developed jointly by societies from the Bioscience Careers Group. The guide provides information and guidance on: job seeking strategies, importance of skills, postgraduate study options, making applications, interview techniques and example CVs’ www.rsb.org.uk/careers-and-cpd/careers/bioscience-careers-group

Science Communication:

Association of British Science Writers British Science Association European Medical Writers Association PSCI-COM (discussion list)

www.absw.org.uk www.britishscienceassociation.org/ www.emwa.org www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/psci-com.html

www.rcuk.ac.uk www.bbsrc.ac.uk www.esrc.ac.uk www.epsrc.ac.uk www.mrc.ac.uk www.nerc.ac.uk http://www.stfc.ac.uk/

Undergraduate Studentships/Funding for summer placements:

Undergraduate studentships run over the summer and are normally designed for undergraduate students who have just finished their second year of study. The Royal Society for Biology have a list of some organisations who may be able to help you organise a studentship: http://www.rsb.org.uk/getinvolved/grants/undergraduate-studentships Additional ways to explore types of careers: • Guardian Careers: http://www.theguardian.com/careers and Guardian Professional Network: www.theguardian.com/guardian-professional have lots of useful advice and discussion on environmental and conservation careers • The British Ecological Society has top tips for getting into ecology which can also be applied in other sectors: http://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/Top-10-tips-forgetting-a-career-in-ecology.pdf

Social Media: Follow relevant companies/websites through Twitter @Prospects @targetjobsUK @RoyalSocBio

@CIWEM @BES_careers @jobsacuk

@TheWCS @environmentjob @EnvAgency

Applying to Teacher Training Courses:

Information about the various ways to train as a teacher: www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/teacher-training-options.aspx Information about the funding available for PGCE Courses www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/funding/training-in-england Teach First www.teachfirst.org.uk UCAS Teacher Training http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/teacher-training

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

Open University Flexible PGCE http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualification/education/pgce/index.htm Teaching factsheets from the World of Work Careers Centre – info about postgraduate teacher training options and gaining work experience https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/123871.htm

General graduate websites for research into careers:

Prospects (check ‘jobs’ section and ‘industry insights’) www.prospects.ac.uk Target Jobs Careers website http://targetjobs.co.uk/career-sectors Job Profiles on National Careers Service https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx Milkround - Graduate jobs, placements & internships http://www.milkround.com/

Other Useful Job Vacancy websites:

LJMU My Jobs and Placements website http://ljmu.prospects.ac.uk/ Prospects (click on ‘jobs’ and then ‘graduate job search’) www.prospects.ac.uk Target Jobs (for a variety of graduate jobs) www.targetjobs.co.uk Guardian Jobs Website http://jobs.guardian.co.uk Graduate Talent Pool (internship for graduates) http://graduatetalentpool.direct.gov.uk/ Graduate to Merseyside www.graduatetomerseyside.co.uk/ Local Government Jobs www.lgjobs.com Opportunities: The Public Sector Media http://opportunities.co.uk Jobs Go Public www.jobsgopublic.com General Volunteering opportunities: ‘Do-It’ lists volunteering opportunities www.do-it.org.uk/ LJMU Volunteering Service www.ljmu.ac.uk/volunteering Volunteering Opportunities for 14-25 year olds www.vinspired.com Volunteer Centre Liverpool www.volunteercentreliverpool.org.uk/index.htm School Experience Programme http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/schoolexperience/sep.aspx

Post-graduate study:

Prospects (see ‘post-graduate study’) UCAS Database of Taught and Research Masters Courses Database of PhD Opportunities Post-graduate Studentships Website Jobs.ac.uk (allows you to search for PhD Studentships)

www.prospects.ac.uk http://www.ucas.com/ www.findamasters.com www.findaphd.com www.postgraduatestudentships.co.uk www.jobs.ac.uk

Self-assessment in relation to career choice/Job Suggestion Questionnaires:

Prospects Planner http://www.prospects.ac.uk/myprospects_planner_login.htm TARGET Jobs careers report http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-report National Careers Service's own Skills Health check tool https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/tools/skillshealthcheck/Pages/default.aspx# Manchester University Careers Kickstart quiz www.manchester.ac.uk/careerkickstart Myers Briggs Personality Type www.personalitypathways.com Keirsey Temperament Sorter www.keirsey.com

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

Key events and networking •

• •

• • •

•

The ‘Undergraduate Ecological Careers Conference’ organised by the British Ecological Society: http://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/learning-and-resources/careerdevelopment/undergraduates/ British Ecological Society Summer School: http://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/learningand-resources/career-development/summer-school/ ‘Life Sciences Careers Conferences’ - organised by the Royal Society of Biology. This brings together a number of Learned Societies and Trade Bodies representing the Biosciences who work together to provide information and advice on careers in the biosciences. The conference is aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students, and recent graduates. https://www.rsb.org.uk/careers-and-cpd/careers/bioscience-careers-festival Liverpool Careers Fair: usually held in the autumn and spring of each year, see fairs website http://www.liverpoolfairs.org.uk/ for additional events Manchester Careers Fairs: open to students and graduates from any university; check http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/events/ for details Careers and Employability events at LJMU Keep an eye on our events pages at https://worldofwork.ljmu.ac.uk/events/ for details of upcoming employability workshops, networking sessions and employer talks. LiverpoolSU Clubs and Societies: https://ljmu.unioncloud.org/groups?parent_link=clubs-

societies-menu-wrapper •

LinkedIn: You could also consider setting up a LinkedIn account (http://www.linkedin.com/) to network online with professionals and organisations in your chosen industry. LinkedIn have produced 6 video guides aimed at students and graduates to help get you started: http://students.linkedin.com/uk

Other information Centre for Entrepreneurship The Centre for Entrepreneurship supports students and graduates who want to set up their own businesses. Whether you want to develop a new business idea, work as a freelancer or launch a product or service, the Centre for Entrepreneurship can help. To book a place at one of their free workshops or a confidential business advice session with one of their business advisers, call 0151 231 3300 or visit their website https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/startup

Careers Zones Campus-based Careers Zones provide easy access to careers support in convenient locations at Byrom Street, Aldham Robarts Library and at IM Marsh, staffed by the team from the World of Work Careers Centre. Support available includes CV and application form reviews, Careers Adviser appointments, Employability Adviser Appointments, drop-in quick queries, practice interviews and access to careers resources and information. The Zones also host regular employer visits during term time where you can meet and network with employers and discuss job and placement opportunities. For the latest updates and details of locations and opening times, see @Byrom_Careers, @Aldham_Careers or @IMMarsh_Careers on Twitter.

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

Finally, here are some example case studies of LJMU Wildlife Conservation Alumni. There are also other examples in your school Career Planning Guide:

Graduate Case Studies: Name: Wendy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill Graduated: 2013 Job title: Post Graduate Research Student (undertaking a PhD) Name of Employer: Liverpool John Moores Univeristy. What do you do in your work? I am currently working full time on a research project directly related to my degree programme. I am looking at the ability of vegetative buffer strips to intercept diffuse pollution and reduce the nutrient load of nitrogen and phosphorus entering watercourses. I also work one day per week on a self employed basis where I manage a specific avian wildlife problem for a number of urban businesses. What do you enjoy about your job? Regarding my research project: I enjoy being able to apply and enhance the skills I learned during my degree programme by using them in real scenarios. I also enjoy the requirement to think independently about real environmental and conservation issues ultimately allowing me to make a difference. Liaising with stakeholders allows me to understand how my research area links into much wider issues within their organisation and I enjoy learning more about their business and how they approach and manage environmental problems. Regarding my self-employed role: I enjoy the privileged contact with wildlife and observing first hand the changes that take place year on year. I also enjoy the confidence/expertise that I have in this area, brought about by my own experience in actually performing the role, but also enriched by the knowledge that I have gained from studying Wildlife Conservation at LJMU. How have your skills and experiences acquired from LJMU helped you in your role? As a mature student I took a big gamble when I decided to change career. In addition to the amazing experience I had at LJMU, I had a keen work ethic and without both I would not be in my current position. The choice of modules available during the 2nd and 3rd year of my programme were quite diverse and allowed me to tailor my course to my areas of interest - avian and aquatic ecology and soil science. I learned many ecological survey techniques, spent time in laboratories analysing samples and improved my computer skills when using specific scientific programmes relative to my discipline. The IT facilities and labs were well equipped and the work was very well thought out to allow a wide range of experiences. There were numerous field trips during the course both in the UK and abroad and these have been a great way of enhancing my CV. What was the best thing about studying Wildlife Conservation at LJMU? Without doubt, the knowledge and expertise of the lecturers that taught on my course. Their personal case studies and areas of expertise allowed them to bring the lectures to life. They discussed real data and explained the challenges faced during their projects and also the outcome/on-going issues of their research. The teaching was more than simply academic, and it allowed consideration of wider issues.

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

Name: Rob Nicholson Graduated: 2008, BSc (Hons) Job title: Ecology Consultant, ADAS UK Ltd (Preston) What do you do in your work? For the past six years following graduation I have worked full time as an Ecology Consultant. In my current role this involves providing advice to clients on a variety of projects, usually in relation to avoiding or minimising impacts upon the habitats in which the client is proposing to work. This is mainly advising around the presence of habitats and species, particularly those that are protected through UK and European law, which are subjects directly related to my degree programme. Projects may vary quite widely from advising utility companies on impacts that may be caused by works such as maintaining or installing assets (e.g. power lines/towers/poles, substations, pipelines), through to surveys to accompany planning applications for the installation of Solar PV Farms or Wind turbines and for the re-instatement and re-development of disused farm or brownfield sites. Surveys we may conduct in order to gather information that we use to form the basis of our advice may include Ecological Desk Study, Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, Protected Species Surveys (e.g. Great Crested Newt, Bats, Badgers, Otter, reptiles, bird surveys), National Vegetation Classification Surveys (NVC), Condition Monitoring of Habitats etc. My particular role also involves elements of business development (identifying and acquiring new clients) and a significant amount of project coordination, staff resourcing for projects and managing the project budgets. What do you enjoy about your job? The main thing I enjoy about my job is the opportunity to get out and survey a wide range of sites across different geographical areas in the UK, in a range of different environments and observing habitats and species that I may not have had the opportunity to otherwise. These often include access to SSSIs and SACs which may not otherwise be accessible. It is also a very varied role with time spent in the field, meetings with a range of clients and stakeholders, working both alone and in team situations and the opportunity to work closely with and learn from specialists. So the working day can vary quite significantly throughout the year. There are times when the role can be very challenging due to the time constraints and volume of work, particularly in the spring and summer months when everything tends to happen at once. But fortunately I am a fairly patient character and usually enjoy a challenge, so this doesn’t often pose too much of a problem. How have your skills and experiences acquired from LJMU helped you in your role? I started my time at LJMU as a mature student having worked primarily in retail and as a musician up to that point. It was a big decision at the time but one that has lead me into a career with real opportunity to progress towards doing something interesting whilst earning a living. I was able to do this with the technical knowledge I gained through completing my degree by following the Natural Sciences Foundation Course, which I had to pass in order to follow the Wildlife Conservation degree course (four years in total). Important for me (having been out of the education environment for 5-6 years) was the ability to focus and work hard throughout my course – something I have taken with me into my current position as an Ecology Consultant. The choice of modules available during the 2nd and 3rd year of my programme were quite diverse and allowed me to tailor my course to my areas of interest which was focussed upon habitats, species (primarily UK based) and survey techniques (several of which I used today). Significant to progressing from LJMU into employment were two things. Firstly, at the end of the 1st year of my degree programme I was approached to work as a seasonal survey assistant for ADAS UK Ltd, assisting surveyors on a large-scale Great Crested Newt survey of ponds in north Cheshire, giving me my first experience of working in Ecology Consultancy. Secondly was the opportunity to take up a Work Based Learning Module during the summer between my 2nd and 3rd year. I acquired a placement as an Assistant Ecologist with a multidiscipline

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: BSc Wildlife Conservation

environmental and engineering consultancy in Stoke. This provided me with a detailed insight into many aspects of this career and most importantly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; work experience. I experience field trips both locally to significant sites for nature conservation such the range habitats associated with the sand dune systems of the Sefton Coast, Leighton Moss RSPB reserve and Snowdonia National Park, amongst others. In addition I was involved in a field trip to Tenerife which provided experience of observing and surveying a wide range of habitat types and species indigenous to Tenerife. My experience at University was essential for me in gaining opportunities to progress and being equipped to make the most of those opportunities. The skills I learned at LJMU form the basis of my work on a daily basis and enable me to perform well in an environmental discipline, in a professional capacity. What was the best thing about studying Wildlife Conservation at LJMU? The course subject and content was of huge interest to me and the knowledge and passion of the lecturers for their specialist areas and for their students helped me find direction and to maintain a strong level of focus and interest throughout the duration of the foundation and degree courses.

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Are you looking for a graduate job, placement, internship, voluntary work or part-time job?

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One website. Thousands of opportunities. Available to all LJMU students and graduates. To register go to:

http://ljmu.prospects.ac.uk LJMU CAREERS TEAM

0151 231 2048/3719 || careers@ljmu.ac.uk

www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers