I am a student currently on my placement year studying a BSc degree in zoology at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. I managed to secure an 11-month industry placement with MKA Ecology following direct contact with the company’s executive director.
I joined MKA Ecology consultancy as a Student Ecologist in May 2022 and was thrown straight in at the deep end by being assigned to a bat survey on the very first night!
Since then, I have found the team at MKA Ecology very welcoming and keen to share their knowledge and areas of expertise with new starters, and help develop personal skills and passion.
So far, I have been able to experience a variety of surveys, including preliminary ecological appraisals, nocturnal bat surveys, bat roost assessments, reptile surveys, water vole surveys, and more! Furthermore, I have been given the responsibility to survey lead and author a number of reports relating to the surveys. It is very true that university, although full of theoretical, research-based knowledge, does not compare to the invaluable, practical, hands-on skills you receive in the workplace.
MKA Ecology have been keen to support and encourage me in developing my ecological skills by involving me in several training days, including chalk grassland and moth identification training, as well as social events which have developed my ornithology and botanical skills, and enabled me to get to know the team better.
In spite of being a student, I have been given a lot of independence within the company to work alongside both graduate and consultant ecologists. I have also had the opportunity to work on projects that range from someone’s back garden to arable fields, parks, and more.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with MKA so far, and I hope this post will provide a positive insight for other students who are considering work placements within an ecology consultancy.