Progressing to Postgrad: My journey to further study

Posted on: 11 November 2023 by Richard Finch in Graduate stories

Harry van Dinter is a Class of 2022 BSc (Hons) Zoology graduate, now studying at University College London (UCL) for a Master's in Conservation.

I think during my second year of study, I knew that I wanted to specialize further and do a master's in conservation. A lot of my modules that year would touch upon conservation issues and theory, and I found that these instances were where the bulk of my attention would end up. I have been interested in conservation since I was a kid, but only during second year did my brain click and I was like "Yeah, I'm focusing on conservation".

I think I've ended up where I am now mostly through listening to myself. I believe it's very easy to ignore your feelings and focus on a path because it feels 'safe' or 'right' or 'good enough'. This choice may bring short-term happiness and comfort, but if you ask yourself those uncomfortable questions like 'Is this what I really want to do?' or 'Will this actually make me happy?', you can truly discover your passions and bring yourself long-term happiness as a result. Simply put, I'm an MSc Conservation student because I know it makes me happy.

If we're talking more practical stuff, I think my volunteering has helped a lot as well. Studying for a degree is great, but volunteering gives you in-the-field experience that you just can't get in a classroom, especially for conservation!

I volunteered with the 'Merseyside National Trust Environmental Volunteers Group' whilst in Liverpool and then continued volunteering with 'The Wildlife Trusts' during my time here in London.

These experiences definitely helped propel my understanding of conservation, and it also looks great on the old CV!

Your Top 3 Tips for current students and recent graduates.

1. Listen to yourself and make sure to do things that make you happy
2. Always try to do extracurricular activities, like volunteering and societies
3. Have a good sleep schedule