Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

Project management of both long and short term projects, including budget and staff management. Undertaking protected species surveys including those for bats, great crested newts and water voles. Report writing, phase 1 habitat plans (mapping flora habitats) and supervising demolition/clearance events. I am also instrumental in large amounts of business development.

My day can either be office based or out in the field, out in the field can be very varied from searching for nests before an area is cleared, checking under tiles before a building is demolished or completing surveys for bats, reptiles, barn owls, badgers etc. In the office I can either be undertaking business development activities, training staff, managing projects or writing reports.

At the start of my career I enjoyed being outside, seeing wonderful new places, seeing and holding various animals, learning all the time and doing something physical. As I got more senior I am more office based and I have found I have a flair for business development which my company are encouraging me to pursue.

Overseeing multiple projects at the same time can be a difficult balancing act. As you get to a more senior level you are outside less which is both a blessing and a curse. At first the report writing was a steep learning curve for me as it is very different from the report writing taught throughout the education system.

I loved the idea of getting paid to search for animals and to lean more about them with each job. I got into surveying accidentally and realised I could do this all day.

My degree, a licences I've gained since graduation (great crested newt and bat licences) and many vocational courses I've taken. Lots of volunteering with local animal groups and consultancies is key. Good, clear communication is important as is the ability to talk to anybody from any walk of life.

Mainly on the job but we attend courses through our governing body CIEEM (charted institute of ecological and environmental management)

Worked for Scottish Wildlife Trust as a wildlife reserves assistant.

Gained membership with CIEEM (ecological governing body).

Worked for National Trust as a protected species officer.

Worked for two ecological consultancies part time during the summer to gain my licence.

Gained my Great Crested Newt Licence

Started work as an Environmental Consultant.

Promoted to Senior Environmental Consultant

Gained Bat Licence

Moved to larger consultancy and became Senior Ecologist

Given role to oversee North-east and Residential Sectors

My consultancy is pursuing new areas which I am heavily involved with, I would like to personally develop with the company, becoming Principal, then Associate Director.

Get experience with local consultancies, the majority hire field surveyors during summer months, survey experience will help you get work, not only in consultancy, but with Wildlife Trusts and environmental education positions. A licence can be gained using survey experience.

Constantly update your CV and send it to every employer you can find with its updates and a short paragraph explaining who you are. Its how I got my first job.