Another event organised was the careers café where we welcomed back a panel of Bangor University graduates so they could tell us all about their career paths since graduating and offer out any tips as well as taking our questions.
The Panel
Welcomed back to the university on this panel were; Beth, Nia, John, Graham and Rhys.
Beth studied zoology at the university before going on to do her masters project in wetland science here. Graduating in 2015 she told us of her path through three jobs since graduation. First she got involved as a wetland consultant where she would assist with collecting samples. She moved onto the Snowdonia Society working on the conservation and management of woodland in Snowdonia and then became a senior warden at the Snowdonia National Park. Currently, Beth hold the role of ecosystems and climate change officer at the park.
Nia studied marine biology at the university before completing an ecology based masters project. During this time, she actively volunteered with the North Wales Wildlife Trust (NWWT), shortages in volunteers worked out well for Nia as she was able to take on the extra work and even got a paid job for her troubles after completing her masters. She received the title of manager, in a full-time paid capacity, after Living Seas took over the NWWT due to money shortages.
John studied zoology with marine biology and has an interesting story following his graduation. He worked on feeding behaviour in salt water crocodiles before actually being offered a job working with crocodilians. He opted not to accept this offer as he preferred the idea of shorter research positions and went on to be a research assistant here in Bangor before leaving due to a lack of enjoyment in the role. He followed this up with a six-month summer position with Natural Resources Wales (NRW), clearly he impressed as he was offered a permanent role with Welsh Water and now runs a team of scientists whilst also offering support and opportunities to PhD students.
Graham studied biology before completing a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course to become an outdoor and biology teacher. This position allowed him to travel the world, conduct fieldwork and teach all at the same time. Now, back from his travels and settled he teaches the outdoor and science course here at Bangor University.
Rhys was the one familiar face on the panel. He studied zoology with marine zoology before doing his masters in molecular biology. Fast forward and we see him around the Brambell building where he currently works as an animal care technician in the university labs. This position likely became possible following his stint volunteering in the animal room and a very detailed explanation of how to fix aquarium pump during an interview.
Conclusions
Following a student breakdown after hearing post degree employment rates in the field this session was a useful method of trying to calm us down and explain to us that the future is almost a complete unknown. Not everyone on this panel followed their initial degree into masters’ projects or beyond, and John in particular, upon reflection, probably had one of the more reassuring tales. He turned down what many of us in the room considered a golden opportunity, and one I definitely wouldn’t have turned down, didn’t like his next occupation and carried on and now is successful leading his own team. Beth gave inspiration in the knowledge that not every job is forever, some are stepping stones to bigger and better things and similarly to both Nia and Rhys highlighted the importance of networking and ultimately, working really hard.
This event ultimately calmed my nerves about the outside world following my masters. Not every student works in their specific degree field and not everybody enjoys the work in their field, nothing is certain.
Mental breakdowns can be postponed, and I feel I can enter my post degree life with a little more of a calm attitude because if this session taught me anything; it’s that life is uncertain for us students and that regardless of where I’m working as long as I’m pursuing my interest in nature and wildlife to some extent I can be happy.
Ray Reynolds 
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