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.

I currently work for CH2M HILL as a Graduate Environmental Specialist, on secondment to the A-one+ Area 7 Project for the Highways Agency. My duties include completing Environmental Impact Assessments, creating maps using ArcGIS, site surveys (including phase 1, bats, nesting bird checks, reptiles and great crested newt) and Ecological Clerk of Works. I liaise with a wide variety of people, including engineers, site operatives, local authorities and environmental bodies. I also work on funded environmental studies and am currently investigating waste classification across the Area 7 network (using WAC tests)

There isn't really a typical day at work for me. Some days I could be in the office, either writing up Environmental Impact Assessments, or participating in meetings with designers where we discuss engineering projects and how to mitigate environmental and ecological damage. Other days I could be going out to sites where works are proposed and conducting environmental and ecological surveys. During the summer season in particular, the typical day can be very different as bat surveys need to be done at either sunrise or sunset!

I love the diversity associated with the job. No day is really the same and I'm constantly being challenged by new and exciting projects. Not only that but it's reassuring to see that environmental and ecological issues are taken really seriously by the company so you know what suggest will be done.

It can be quite hard discussing environmental and ecological problems with designers - especially in relation to bats and great crested newts as their presence on a site can significantly delay works, This means that you need to be pragmatic when discussing any environmental or ecological issues, be empathetic with the designer but to also stick your ground!

The area of work appealed to me because I wanted to use the knowledge I'd gained at university so that I could mitigate environmental and ecological damage in real world situations.

I draw on my ecology degree all the time during my day to day work, hence why a degree is vital for this role. I also use GIS to compile maps for Environmental Impact Assessments and I need to be able to accurately identify a range of species when conducting ecological surveys (including both fauna and flora). Good communication skills, particularly when liaising with designers or writing up reports, are also vital for this job so that you can get your advise across as clearly and succinctly as possible.

I constantly receive a wide range of training with this job - all I really need to do is ask! I can go on: ecological identification courses to improve species ID in areas where I could improve, team building training courses and courses that aid with engineering terminology. CH2M HILL also has a unique online 'University', where you can en role in a wide range of courses, ranging from Project Management and Business to Health, Safety and Sustainability in the workplace.

Since leaving university in June 2014, I worked for a sample ecological consultancy firm where I gain invaluable experience training as an ecologist during the busiest survey season. After this summer placement I got straight into this job. It's not as easy as just getting a job in the sector though, I had to volunteer with various environmental charities and organisations during my studies to gain the skills required for this kind of role.

I see myself as a senior ecologist/EIA specialist. To get there, I need to attain the necessary professional qualificationschartership such as being a full member of the Chartered Institute for Ecological and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Volunteer now if you want to get an environmental job upon finishing university. The environment sector is really hard to get onto and employers want to see that you a) are dedicated and passionate and b) have the right skills for the job i.e. species ID skills. I would also recommend getting a masters degree as it gives you that little bit more experience that can really push your CV to the top of the pile when applying for jobs.