Category Archives: Environment and Natural Resources

Barnaby, Environment and Natural Resources

Barnaby, Geography student, applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to develop confidence with attending interviews and gain an understanding of working in this sector. Through the scheme, Barnaby was matched with a Biology graduate from the University of Exeter who is now an Associate Director at Atkins Plc.

Barnaby tells us more about his experience below:

What objectives did you achieve?

Barnaby achieved all of his objectives including:

  • Increased knowledge in finding internships and work experience in this sector
  • Improved personal development skills
  • Increased knowledge of sector entry requirements

Barnaby was also able to improve his understanding of key legislation affecting the industry.

What were your highlights of the scheme?

The noticeable increase in my confidence when attending job interviews, largely due to the unique insights into the sector my mentor was able to provide me.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

The opportunity to ask industry specific questions about the application/interview process that would be difficult to ask while networking.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

The scheme provided me with an amazing opportunity to gain unique insights into my desired industry, and helped me to stand out when attending interviews. I’d advise every student to take part in the scheme to gain new contacts and an understanding from professionals who have been there before.

 

Lydia, Environment, Conservation and Management

Lydia, Theology student, applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to build relationships, gain insight into her desired industry and received advice about job interviews. Through the scheme, Lydia was matched with an Exeter Alumna who is now a Director and Advisor with several charitable and professional environmental bodies. This mentor also red BSc Biology and Geography and MSc Conservation.

“Really helpful transferable skills”

Lydia achieved all of her objectives including improved cover letter writing skills, improved personal development skills and increased knowledge of finding internships and work experience in this sector.

Lydia shared her experience:

What were your highlights of the scheme?

Arranging to meet my mentor successfully.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Reassurance that my CV was up to scratch and impressive, and that my covering letter was written well.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

Think carefully about the career you want to go into and choose a mentor accordingly. I decided, having had my mentor, that I didn’t want to go into that profession. I still learnt useful things about my CV and covering letter though, which are really helpful transferable skills.

Joshua, Mining, Environment and Natural Resources

Joshua, second year Geography student was matched with the Head of Energy & Environment at Bicton College.

This mentor has previously worked as a Section Leader Environment & Sustainability and Founding Associate at Catalys. Prior to that he was Head of Energy & Carbon Policy at West Midlands Development Agency and Partnership Development Manager at East Midlands Development Agency.

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Joshua had some really positive feedback to give on the ways in which the scheme was beneficial to him:

What were the highlights of the scheme for you?

Massively improved application techniques and had far higher success rate than prior to the scheme.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Someone in my desired sector who could give me information and tailor my applications to what companies desire from candidates. 

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

Definitely apply for somebody within your desired career sector, they can provide you with both insight and personalised application tips for that sector.