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 Valerio who graduated from BSc Animal Behaviour in 2017 and is now a first year PhD student in the Department of Geography at the University of Cambridge
Hi Valerio, it’s only 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?
After graduating from my BSc I stayed at the University of Exeter and studied an MSc in Conservation Science and Policy. Following this I worked for a year for the charity Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, in London. My main role involved raising awareness about nature conservation to the wider public and increase membership support for the RSPB. However, I soon realised that what I truly enjoyed and wished to do was scientific research. So I started looking up PhDs and applied for a few while working. Long story short, I didn’t manage to get onto a PhD project the first time around. I saved up some money while working and, when PhD applications opened again, I decided to quit my job and dedicate all my time and effort to make the best possible PhD application, including writing my own project proposal and applying for funding from various sources. In the meantime, I had managed to get a couple of papers published, which helped me with my application. I won funding for my PhD at Cambridge (October 20).
We are pleased you have had such great opportunities since graduating … what attracted you to stay at the University of Exeter and study your MSc at the Penryn Campus?
The campus facilities were fantastic, especially the library where I spent a lot of my time. I also found the campus atmosphere very intellectually stimulating. Being surrounded by students and scientists all the time was inspiring and motivating. I found everyone was also always very keen and available to address any of my questions or concerns, which made my student experience very enjoyable.
The university offered very specific courses tailored to my interests, and was also part of the prestigious Russel group which was very appealing to me. They also had amazing fieldwork opportunities, and a very international student community which was very welcoming.
What are your highlights from studying at the University of Exeter?
The facilities were great. I spent a lot of time in the library, the gym and the outdoor multi-user-games-area (MUGA) for football games. A new gym, mini library for mature students, and campus shop were built during the last year of my studies, which I also got to really enjoy. The Stannary bar/dining room was the perfect place to socialise, party and make new friends. I carry with me many unforgettable memories from that place. I lived on campus accommodation during the first year of my studies, and that was also very fun. I shared a room with another student and lived in a flat together with a few other students. Great memories from there too, which I find myself already reminiscing sometimes!
It was very easy to get to Falmouth from campus, whether walking or with the bus, and from there you could easily access so many great beaches and outdoor places. For most of my studies I have lived in Falmouth and commuted to campus: every morning, the smell of salty air, the calls of the seagulls and views of the sea interlaced in very unique and picturesque ways with the sight cows grazing on the green hills just in the background. Thinking back to the place brings me a feeling of calm and carefreeness that it’s hard to forget. Cornwall in general is great. Before I left, I managed to go for a road trip across the north coast; there are so many stunning cliffs and places that words cannot even begin to describe.
We are glad you love Cornwall as much as we do … How do you think the University of Exeter helped to prepare you for your career?
Since I’m doing a PhD, I would say that the research skills I’ve gained through my dissertations were the most valuable. I had fantastic supervisors at the top of their fields from which I have learnt a lot. My studies at Exeter have helped me develop independent research skills and the ability for critical thinking that were invaluable for the drafting of my project proposal, and which to date continue to help me conduct my research. The hands-on experience from the fieldtrips was also very useful on this regard.
What do you most enjoy about the career path you have chosen and do you have any plans for the future following your PhD?
There are many aspects that I enjoy about my work. One of them is being part of a huge scientific community from every part of the globe. I find there is something homely about that; something soothing and comforting. It’s hard to describe it in words but, for instance, it is something that has kept me from feeling lonely even during the repeated lockdowns of this pandemic. Another aspect is intellectual stimulation. There is always something new to learn and study, and I find this very exciting. I’ve only just started my PhD, but I am thinking to do a postdoc after this and continue pursuing a career in scientific research in the future.
Finally, do you have any advice for anyone thinking of applying to the University of Exeter?
Show that you have a keen interest and/or are passionate about the topic you want to study, and perhaps look into the academics based at Exeter working in the field who you would potentially like to work with. Be enthusiastic and try to read over your application many times before sending it off; I find that leaving it to rest for one or two days and reassessing it with a fresh mind can help. Best of luck!
Thank you Valerio!
If you want to read more profiles from BSc Animal Behaviour graduates follow this link or explore our Graduate in Focus homepage to learn more about the degree programmes we have on offer!