I have always wanted a career in wildlife conservation and originally thought I wanted to become a warden as I didn't know what other roles where available in the conservation sector. I was scouring the RSPB website one day when I saw the advert for an RSPB Visitor Experience Intern. I wasn't really sure what to make of it at first and what the role would entail but I knew I had the skills that were required, so decided to apply. I secured myself an interview where I met all the managers from the different reserves involved and asked a few questions about the role and what job opportunities would be available to me. This made me realise that it was something that I would really love to do.
I received a phone call saying I had been successful and was very excited but still a little unsure about what I would be doing on a day to day basis. My first placement was six months at RSPB Old Moor, here I got experience in helping schools on reserves, promoting and planning family activities and I even got to organise my own Big Wild Sleepout event. My second six month placement was here at RSPB Leighton Moss where I get chance to write blogs and press releases, design and create my own resources as well as recruiting new members to the RSPB.
Getting the chance to live and work on a nature reserve is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I get to see things I never would have, such as a barn owl flying past my window, or thousands of starlings flying out of the reeds in the early morning. Day to day I am learning new things and discovering new talents that I never knew I had. My wildlife knowledge has improved massively and it is exciting when you discover a new species you've not seen before, especially when something rare comes to the reserve and you get to be one of the first to see it.
The Visitor Experience Internship allows you to connect people with wildlife and conservation and share your passion with others so they too want to protect it, which is something I find extremely rewarding. A visitor experience role is extremely important in being able to project a conservation message and generate support for the RSPB and wildlife conservation in general.
Applying for the internship is the best decision I have made and has opened up so many opportunities for me in terms of a career in conservation which would not have been possible without it. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a career in conservation as it is a massive stepping stone and a great experience. We’re currently advertising for the next round of Visitor Experience Interns, so why not give it a go! Details here.
Me (right) with my house mates Ash and Sammy who are residential volunteer wardens. If you are interested in the Warden Internship click here.