Virtual Conservation Intern Review

The week was a combination of guest speakers and group workshops. The speakers consisted of professionals from a wide range of disciplines and specialities such as communications, careers advice, livestock management and conservation grazing, AONBs, community engagement, rangers and storytellers. Each of them bought something new to the conversation and imparted their wisdom and advice with passion. There was also plenty of opportunity to ask questions and engage with the speakers and other students on the programme. As well as attending these talks, we were also split into small groups to undertake a public engagement project in which we designed a social media campaign or toolkit to encourage 11-17 year olds to come to the reserve. This was a brilliant opportunity to practice working in a team, through virtual platforms, whilst also requiring us to consider the practicalities of such a campaign such as financial restraints, incentive, health and safety etc.

The conservation sector is massive and there are so many potential roles and skills required that it simply isn't possible to have them all! This placement taught me some of the potential career paths I could go down and what skills I would need. I was really impressed with the wide range of professional speakers from different disciplines and backgrounds as this helped me to narrow down the areas I find most interesting and the areas which my current skills and knowledge would be most helpful. There were some paths that I had not even considered but have inspired me to look into further.

Through undertaking the public engagement project I developed skills related to working in a small team such as active listening, communication and time management as well as project planning. Given the current covid situation, the placement was conducted virtually which also allowed me to develop skills related to virtual communication platforms and working from home.
Some of the talks specifically focussed on developing skills in completing job applications and writing CVs which was really helpful and allowed me to use those skills to secure another internship elsewhere.
I learnt a lot in this internship about different potential career paths within the sector and the skills needed for those roles. Some were more interesting to me than others but that really helped me to explore what it is I really want to do and how I can go about getting those jobs. There was even areas of conservation that I had never considered before but were really inspiring!

From the very first minute I felt truly welcomed onto the placement (which is difficult since everyone is just talking to a screen!). No question was too stupid, no-one was made to feel they didn't belong and every one of the leaders engaged throughout. It really felt like there was very little hierarchy, more like a great discussion between like minded people whilst still teaching us a lot. The speakers were all clearly very knowledgeable about their field and yet were very happy to answer questions and share thoughts and ideas with us students. It was a week of staring at our screens but it did feel like we were part of a community!

Signing up for this virtual placement I had no idea what to expect. How can anyone do a wildlife conservation placement online? Well, it turns out it was not only possible but absolutely brilliant too! In just 5 days I was able to learn about so much, from the importance of contact with nature on child development to tips and tricks for landing my dream job. I was introduced to career opportunities within the conservation sector that I hadn’t even thought of before. Every one of the speakers was so passionate and inspiring that I ended the week sad that it was over but also eager and ready to jump into the world of wildlife conservation with both feet forward! Overall, this virtual placement has been such a great experience. If I had to sum it up in 3 words, I would say inspiring, motivating and eye-opening. I have been introduced to areas of conservation I knew very little about, built a network of connections with professionals in the field and likeminded students, and had the opportunity to put what I’ve learned into practice. Not only was I inspired by the speakers themselves, but also by the other placement students whose passion, engagement and new ideas made me optimistic for the future of conservation. It may not have been the type of placement any of us would have imagined undertaking a year ago, but the adaptability and determination of all involved really paid off and I am so thankful for this wonderful opportunity.

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