We are looking back on some of our MSc graduates who have excelled in scientific research, ecology and conservation around the world since studying with us.
Today we meet Adam who graduated from MSc Conservation Science & Policy in 2019 and is now a Strategic Sustainability Consultant at Ramboll Management Consulting.
Adam, it’s only been a couple of years since you studied with us, why don’t you tell us a bit about your career and what you are up to now?
After graduating I set about applying for conservation / sustainability jobs while working two part time jobs in hospitality and retail. After a few months I secured an Internship in Ramboll’s Environmental Economics and Natural Capital team in November 2019, which was fortunately made permanent in February 2020 before COVID hit the jobs market.
We are glad you found an opportunity so soon after graduating, why don’t you give us a bit of background about what made you choose to study your MSc with us at the University of Exeter Cornwall Campus?
When I first chose to study at the University of Exeter at undergraduate level I was swayed by the modules and field trips on offer and the offer of a study abroad year. For the MSc, the choice was much simpler – I had no intention of leaving Cornwall!
For conservation science, there aren’t many places better to study than Cornwall. The staff are world-leading in their fields, and the smaller campus Penryn provides means there is a great amount of interaction and help on offer. Similarly, in a small town like Falmouth there is an “everyone knows everyone” feeling that really brings people together. I made lifelong friends and don’t ever need much of an excuse to go back.
I doubt there are many places to study in the UK which are consistently ranked in the top 10, provide such a rich and personalised learning experience, and are located in a holiday destination with so much wildlife on their doorstep!
What are your highlights from studying at the University of Exeter?
It might be the easy answer, but the Kenya field course was a massive contributor to my university experience. It was incredibly valuable to see complex conservation issues first-hand, and talking with actors and stakeholders provided a learning experience which is near-impossible to replicate in the lecture theatres or labs.
As stated above, I also loved the whole feel of studying at Penryn, which helps explains why I stayed for so long! The green spaces, coast on the doorstep and community-feel of the campus all contributed to a great university experience for me.
How do you think the MSc helped to prepare you for your next steps?
One of the most useful things I gained from my university experience regarding job / internship applications was the range of transferable skills involved in the modules taken. Having a firm grasp on statistics and data for example, provided from statistics modules and my research project, acted as a key differential in applications, and being able to demonstrate learned experience from modules ranging from Policy and Governance for Sustainability to Ecological Consultancy has also been a great benefit.
Why did you choose a career in consultancy?
I chose a career in sustainability consulting for the variety of projects, and it’s what I enjoy most about my work. From more traditional consulting helping companies align their activities to the sustainable development goals, to re-writing charters for sustainable tourism and identifying the best ecological solution for a remediation project, there is a huge variety to a career in sustainability.
Do you have any advice for students looking to pursue a similar career?
A science degree provides many skills not just related to academia, and research skills don’t just apply to the field. Being able to think critically and identify quickly in a literature review which sources and studies provide trustworthy results is a very useful skill, as are data numeracy skills. Identify the skills you’ve gained from your degree and sell yourself on them – employers might be looking for someone with exactly those qualities.
Finally, do you have any plans for the future?
Aside from publishing my thesis, just to progress in my current career for now! A return to academia might be on the distant horizon, but I feel like I’m learning a lot and am on the right career path for now.
Thank you Adam!
If you want to read more profiles from MSc Conservation Science & Policy graduates follow this link or explore our Graduate in Focus homepage to learn more about the degree programmes we have on offer!