Graduate Success Stories: Lydia – Ecology and Conservation

In this Q&A, Lydia talks all about achieving a First Class Honours, securing a graduate role and how Keele helped to prepare her for the world of work. 

What are your plans after graduation?
I have just finished an Integrated Masters of Ecology and Conservation and achieved First Class Honours. My plans now are to continue as a graduate ecologist and work towards becoming an ecologist and then senior ecologist while obtaining wildlife licenses which help towards my career. 

How did you find your graduate job?
I was originally only applying for jobs on LinkedIn jobs but Keele Careers Hub helped by providing a variety of websites I could apply for jobs on. Eventually, I found my current graduate job on Indeed. 

What has your Keele experience been like?
I have really enjoyed my time at Keele. The community of a campus based university and all the clubs and societies you can try has been great fun. Keele helped me to gain ecological field experience and learn all the ecological industry standards like wildlife legislation and biodiversity net gain. I could not be more thankful for my lecturers and the support I received from all the Keele staff. 

How did Keele help you secure your graduate role/prepare you for the world of work?
Keele has really helped me prepare for a job in ecology thanks to the green campus, which opened up many field experience opportunities and modules tailored to industry standards. It was so helpful to have access to Keele lakes to complete a wide range of ecological research such as aquatic invertebrates, plant species and soil assessments. I believe the experience Keele gave me helped to secure the Graduate Ecologist role where I get to travel all around the country, completing habitat and wildlife surveys to help the environment in regards to policy, planning and development. 

Any advice for students who are looking for their first graduate roles?
My top advice for students looking for graduate roles is to start early. Set up a job for when you finish university. Don't start looking once you've graduated!