29 Apr Promotion of the Profession: BSG presents at Swansea University’s Science Careers Fair 2024
BSG Ecology’s James Garside and Zoe Paraskevopoulou were among the speakers at Swansea University’s recent Science Careers Fair.
The aim of the event was to provide science students with insight into the range of career options available to them. James’ presentation focused on what an ecological consultancy is and the wide range of work we do. He then provided an overview of the types of companies working in the sector, the differences in the ways they recruit, what BSG Ecology (specifically) looks for in graduate ecologists and ways in which the students could acquire relevant experience. James, who is now a Senior Ecologist, graduated from Swansea in 2015, and had contacted BSG to see if he could gain some experience in consultancy survey work following a careers event we spoke at; this led initially to some contract work, then a full-time post in March 2017.
Zoe’s presentation looked at her career path from leaving university in 2021 to joining BSG Ecology in November 2023, including her day-to-day experience of being an ecologist. As a more recent graduate, Zoe was able to provide an insight into the skills which were particularly valuable in securing her first roles in ecological consultancy and provided tips to the students for when they start applying for their first positions after university.
During the day James and Zoe were able to chat informally with the students and staff and answers their questions about working within the ecology sector and at BSG Ecology specifically. The event was very positive and a great way to engage with students looking towards the next step in their careers.
Joy Newbury, Employability and Placements Coordinator at Swansea University, said: “Please accept my sincere gratitude to you both for coming along and exhibiting at our Science Careers Fair at Swansea University, and for giving such a fantastic presentation about the work you and your company do and for helping to make the day such a success.”
Photo credit: Swansea University