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.

Teaching Palaeontology, Geology and Biology related topics
Running Field trips/ going on field work (Malta, Assynt, Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire, Isle of Wight amongst others)
Research- Both in geoscience/Bioscience fields and pedagogy
Alumni relations
Careers and Employability advice
Outreach

7.30am arrive at work, and prep for days teaching
9-10am lecturing on palaeontology/ sedimentology subjects
10-11am answering emails and prepping for practical
11-1pm teaching practical class
1-2pm lunch and answering emails/ meeting with students
2-3pm lecturing on palaeontology/ sedimentology subjects
3-6.30pm answering student enquiries, uploading teaching materials, reading new research papers, doing some research, marking

The field work
The variety and interaction that the job offers
Not being sat at my desk all day
The subject- I get to continue to learn and research a subject that I love then pass this knowledge on.

Time management- there is a lot to get done in a single day/ and a single year. Finding time to take holiday is always a problem.

Another problem is the constant critiquing- student feedback surveys, department reviews, re-accreditation, TEF, REF and various other university ranking systems. You have to get used to the anticipation that you might receive negative feedback (luckily this has not happened to me yet). There is a constant pressure to go a long way above and beyond, to work outside of your contracted hours, because if that feedback is even remotely negative it can have massive knock on effects.

I decided to go into teaching at university because I liked the flexibility and variety that the job offered. No day is really the same- different year groups to teach, different subjects. I'm never at my desk too long and there are always plenty of people to chat to/ interact with- in short the job is never slow or dull. To top it all off I also get to go to some amazing places free of charge (I just have to do a bit of teaching whilst I am there...).

MBioSci Zoology - this is when I first became interested in palaeontology, I also use my biological background to give a different view of geology and palaeontology.

PhD which was biological/palaeontological in nature. This gave me a background in research and an in-depth understanding of palaeontological literature, whilst still dabbling with modern biology.

PG Certificate in Higher Education studies- This has provided me with an understanding of different teaching practices and the management side of Higher education- definitely useful in a rapidly changing sector.

First Aid- essential if you are taking large groups out on field work!

skills wise- the most important skills for my job are:
knowledge, communication, organisation, time management, ability to work under pressure, enthusiasm and determination.

2011-2018- PhD in Palaeontology- self-funded so I worked part-time/full-time.

2011-Dec 2014- worked numerous part time jobs to fund PhD including: 11+-A-level after school tuition in sciences, maths, english, history and french, university academic run outreach schemes, open day talks and tours, undergraduate class demonstration, lecturing, disability support.

Jan 2015-present Started Lecturing at University of Derby.

2016-2017- PG Certificate in Education which has lead to a fellowship of the HEA

I would love to complete a second degree in Geology, but this is down the line a little.

Career wise I would like to stay in academia, gaining professorship would be great but I am also not adverse to management or any other opportunities that come my way. The sector is rapidly changing at the moment this is likely to open new opportunities that are not available at present. For the short term I plan to continue my research, attend training courses and keep my skill set up to date, so that when opportunities come along I am in the best possible place to take advantage of them.

Make sure you are sure it is what you want to do. You have to really want to do a PhD, it is tough and you have to be determined and self motivated to get through. If you are sure, then make sure that you take every opportunity that comes your way that allows you to learn/ improve your skill set.

Make yourself stand out to your future employer- everyone has a degree, if you have a PhD then everyone has demonstrating skills- what else have you done?

That said make sure you make time for yourself enjoy your sports and hobbies- no employer wants a complete work-a-holic that cannot work as part of a team/ has no interests outside of work...