When I graduated with my Honours degree in Environmental Quality and Resource Management from the University of the West of England, I realised that if I wanted an environmental career I would have to spend some time working as a volunteer.

I spent six months volunteering as a countryside officer assisting in the management of a range of sites and habitats. I acquired new skills, gained valuable experience and developed a realistic picture of how I could kick-start my career.

I was astonishingly lucky and was soon offered a paid position as an assistant park ranger with the London Borough of Southwark. I had dreamed of working in the countryside and couldn’t believe that I was working in one of the most urban environments in the country. However, the skills I have learnt are equally applicable in a rural context.

My work is focused around the community and requires me develop a variety of skills to meet many different needs. Consequently, a day’s work is never boring and can involve patrolling parks, enforcing bylaws, creating footpaths, leading nature walks, refereeing football matches and attending meetings with the local resident associations.

Despite my experience, I still felt that I had to further my education if I was to move from the bottom rung of the career ladder, so I am currently studying part-time for a Masters degree in Environmental Management at Birkbeck College (University of London). I am starting to see new doors open and perhaps one day I will fulfil my ambition of working in the countryside and maybe find an environmental job that is further rewarding.