Megan, Geography student, was interested in a career in Environmental Education after carrying out work experience with the Essex Widelife Trust. Through the Career Mentor Scheme she was matched with the Managing Director of Exeter Outdoors Ltd. He has a wide variety qualifications such as a PGCE, Adventure Activity and Outdoor Education and Safeguarding. This mentor’s previous employment includes Team Leader and Co-ordinator for NEET courses at Exeter College and Outdoor Education Teacher and Behaviour Centre Manager at St James School.

“Great insight into the sector and an understanding of what more I need to do in order to enter it”

Megan achieved all of her objectives including increased knowledge of job hunting resources in this sector, gaining and understanding of what she needed to do next to enter the sector and received work experience.

Megan’s highlights of the scheme were being able to meet with her mentor and shadow him at work. She shared some insights of her experience:

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

• Networking with the employees at Exeter Outdoors

• On my shadow day speaking to parents of children and seeing the benefits for the children of attending Forest school.

• Great insight into the sector and an understanding of what more I need to do in order to enter it

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

That university is a great time to test the waters of potential career paths and see what’s a good fit and the career mentor scheme offers an opportunity to do just that.