So, you’ve started your degree, but you’re also keen to build a standout CV. It’s a smart move, as gaining experience during university can set you up for success after graduation. The months following university can be emotionally and financially challenging, so doing what you can now (without compromising your studies) is a wise strategy.
Focus on Skills Development
Modern CVs are increasingly skills-focused rather than traditional lists of education and experience. This shift allows you to highlight transferable skills and showcase experiences outside formal employment. To build these skills effectively while studying, here are some practical ways to gain relevant experience.
Volunteering
Volunteering is an excellent way to develop your skills, provided it fits sustainably alongside your academic commitments. Here’s how to get started:
1. Identify Opportunities: Look for wildlife or science organizations near your university or home. Consider what you’d like to gain from volunteering—practical experience in nature reserves, educational outreach, or technical skills like data entry.
2. Be Realistic: Think about your availability. Maybe you can join a monthly workday in the field or spend a few hours weekly on desk-based tasks.
3. Reach Out: Contact organizations and don’t be discouraged if you don’t find the right fit immediately. There’s likely a perfect opportunity out there for you.
Citizen Science
Citizen science projects are a great way to build practical skills while contributing to real research. These projects might be local, national, or even international, and they vary in duration and focus. If you’re unsure where to start, check with national or local biological records centres, which often accept wildlife data from the public. Many projects are supported by online platforms or apps to simplify participation.
Key Benefits:
Improve your fieldwork and species identification skills.
Gain data entry experience and understand the importance of accurate record-keeping.
Explore your interests independently at your own pace.
As someone who enjoys solo time, I found submitting wildlife records incredibly rewarding. I started with nearby parks and nature reserves, gradually expanding to lesser-known areas. Armed with field guides, I’d photograph species, note their locations, and upload records later. This process improved my ecological skills and gave me valuable insights into the role of citizen science.
Internships
Internships can be a valuable step, but unpaid positions often present challenges and inequities. While unpaid internships shouldn’t be a requirement for success, accessible and manageable opportunities do exist. Here’s an example:
During my final year at university, I volunteered monthly at a museum. After graduating, I asked if I could transition to a part-time internship which I could fit around my job. The curator agreed but said there would need to be a core focus to my internship. We decided I should focus on digitizing records. Though the work wasn’t glamorous, it gave me hands-on experience with record-keeping systems and introduced me to the world of natural history.
The takeaway? Internships don’t have to be extensive to be valuable. Volunteering and citizen science projects can often lead to internships that are within reach.
Student Memberships
Many wildlife, nature, and science societies offer student memberships with resources tailored to early career development. Before committing financially, explore the benefits each society provides—such as magazines, networking events, or subgroup participation.
Why Join?
Gain insights into career paths and job opportunities.
Connect with professionals and other students in your field.
Access resources that may guide your professional certifications.
Using these memberships fully can make them worth the investment.
Build and Reflect
As you gain experience, reflect on the skills you’re developing and identify any gaps. This will help you tailor your CV and better understand your career goals. Most importantly, focus on finding what you enjoy most—the path to a fulfilling career often starts with genuine enthusiasm.
The opportunities are out there—seize them and start building your future today!
Commentaires