We are looking back on some of our BSc graduates who have excelled in scientific research, ecology and conservation around the world since studying with us.
Today we meet Billy who graduated from BSc Zoology in 2015 and is now the Digital Communications Coordinator at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust alongside being a Wildlife Presenter at David Foster Management.
Hi Billy, it’s been a few years since you studied with us, why don’t you tell us a bit about your career in that time that led you to where you are now?
Following my Undergraduate degree in Zoology, I stayed at the University of Exeter and completed a Masters by Research. During that time I worked for the National Trust, took part in demonstrations and marking as postgraduate students do, was a tour guide on a boat, worked in a bar and freelanced as a filmmaker.
As soon as possible after graduating from my Masters I went travelling where I made a YouTube travel series “Billy’s Travels”, updated my show reel and was lucky to be involved with the filming of “Virtually Wild” with Isaac Rice around the British Isles. On returning I took part in several wildlife projects closer to home such as featuring on the BBC 4 show The Nature Table with host Sue Perkins, comedian Jessica Fostekew, and fellow Exeter alum Lizzie Daly (Animal Behaviour, 2016), produced a four-minute film on pine martens for Countryfile, and am now currently working for Gloucester Wildlife Trust as a digital communications co-ordinator.
We are glad you stayed with us for your MbyRes and have had such wonderful opportunities … what first attracted you to study your BSc at the University of Exeter, Penryn Campus?
I fell in love with it on the open day … I always wanted to go down the marine side of Zoology so couldn’t think of a better place than having Falmouth Bay as my back yard.
What did you enjoy most about studying in Penryn?
It was the best time of my life to be honest. Everyone on campus was warm and friendly. The teaching staff were also approachable and the campus facilities were great. I spent most of my time in the library so that place became home. Teaching labs were great and we had all of Cornwall as our outdoor classroom for day field trips. FXU ran great weekend trips with different clubs and I spent most of my spare time after lectures and at weekends volunteering for AK Wildlife Cruises exploring the coastlines and bay between Goran Haven and the Lizard.
You have such a breadth of experience in the field of conservation – what made you choose a career in wildlife film-making?
I’ve always wanted to get into wildlife broadcasting, and I’ve by no means cracked it yet, but by being cheeky and putting myself out there (sounds corny but is true) I’ve started to dip my toe into the world of TV and Radio. Having the opportunity to work for Countryfile and BBC Radio 4 has been great but I’ve got a long way to go.
How do you think your BSc and MbyRes degrees from the University of Exeter helped to prepare you for your next steps?
For me it was a mixture of things that led me to where I am now in my career: my passion for the natural world, the opportunities I took up at University and pushing through myself with creating content. University was great, I couldn’t have gone to a better place for me and I don’t think I would have done any of the things I’ve done if I hadn’t gone to Exeter.
Lastly, do you have any advice for someone wanting to pursue a similar career?
Be persistent, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, collaborate with as many people as possible.
Keep networking. Just do it. It’s the best adventure you’ll ever have.
Thank you Billy!
If you want to read more profiles from BSc Zoology graduates follow this link or explore our Graduate in Focus homepage to learn more about the degree programmes we have on offer!