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 Sheridan who graduated from MSc Evolutionary & Behavioural Ecology in 2011 and is now an Open Access Manager at Wiley.
Hi Sheridan, It’s been 10 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 straight on from the MSc in Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology at the University of Exeter, I started a PhD at the Penryn Campus in Evolutionary Biology with Professor Nina Wedell. I spent the next 4 years researching sexual conflict and sexual selection in the Indian meal moth. Whilst completing and reflecting on my PhD, I came to the decision that although I loved research, I wanted to explore other career opportunities. I decided to pursue a career in scientific publishing, as this still allowed me to have access to research, albeit from another angle.
After applying for a few publishing roles, I was offered an entry-level position at Wiley, as a Journal Publishing Assistant for the Society Services team. I have now been with Wiley for 4 years, having progressed through varying job roles. For the last 2.5 years, I have been an Open Access Manager in the Open Research team, focusing on open access journals and open research initiatives in the Physical Sciences.
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?
Whilst researching Masters’ courses, the University of Exeter kept coming up as one of the top places to conduct research whilst studying. Having spent a lot of my time growing up in the South West, the appeal of returning there for my MSc was also a big bonus! The facilities and research coming out of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the University of Exeter continues to be of top quality, so it was a big draw for me to apply there for the Masters. The lecturers made such an impression on me. Nina phoned to talk through the Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology MSc, as I had applied for another MSc (still at the same campus). Nina supported me in switching to the Evolutionary MSc and little did we know that the following year she would be supervising my PhD!
What did you enjoy most about studying in Penryn?
Being able to study and live in Cornwall was one of the best experiences, and I have nothing but fond memories of my time there. The facilities available on campus were amazing, and the lecturers are world class leaders in their respective fields.
Throughout my time at the University of Exeter, the staff and colleagues were all approachable, and eager to talk through their research projects and ideas. There was a real sense of community at the campus, as well as in Falmouth and Penryn itself, which was great to part of for 5 years. The field course in Kenya was also a massive highlight of the MSc. Being able to design, conduct and analyse a small field study, whilst having the support of the lecturers, was a valuable experience. Relaxing on a guided safari in the Masai Mara for a few days at the end of our field course was truly memorable.
We’re glad you enjoyed your degree in Cornwall so much! How do you think the MSc helped to prepare you for your career?
Throughout both my MSc and PhD, I learned valuable project management skills that have aided me no end in my current publishing role. Planning out tasks, working to timelines, communication and learning to adapt quickly if anything goes wrong were all part and parcel of conducting research. It was these transferrable skills that allowed me to pivot into a career in publishing. The MSc gave me a lot of transferrable skills, such as project management, analysis of data, problem solving, lateral thinking, not to mention experience of communicating my research to varying audiences. It provided me with more confidence in public speaking, which has aided me in my current role, as I often give presentations to internal colleagues or external clients.
What are your plans for the future?
This is always a tough question, as I never had a clear plan for the future. Instead, I think about the opportunities being offered or available at the time, decide if I want to pursue it, and see where it leads me. So far, I have enjoyed the experiences gained throughout academia, and am loving working in publishing, so I will be staying in this industry for a while yet! The publishing landscape constantly changes and adapts to the needs of researchers and authors, and as new opportunities arises, I can see myself having a varied career ahead.
And lastly, do you have any advice for those looking to pursue something similar?
I would advise doing a little bit of research into the various roles that are offered at publishers – there are a number covering all aspects of publishing from working with the journal Editors and Societies, to publishing books, to production, and to marketing and sales. I had decided that I wanted to work directly with journals and applied for Journal Publishing Assistant roles. This has opened the door to other roles within the company, and there are a lot of lateral moves that you could take. A lot of publishers are also offering paid internships, which is a chance to discover what it is like to work in a publishing house, as well as gain experience of the varying roles available. Often, these internships can lead to permanent positions. If you are given the opportunity to attend conferences as a student, speak to the publishers on the stands – they can help advise of how to get into publishing, their experiences of working at that particular publisher, and direct you to jobs being advertised on their company homepage.
Thank you Sheridan!
If you want to read more profiles from MSc Evolutionary & Behavioural Ecology graduates follow this link or explore our Graduate in Focus homepage to learn more about the degree programmes we have on offer!