I Got Hired: Laura

Posted on: 1 September 2026 by Richard Finch in Class of 2025

Laura, a Class of 2025 BSc Zoology graduate, is now working as an Assistant Ecologist at SEP Ecology, applying the knowledge, skills and confidence developed through her University of Liverpool experience in the environmental sector.

What first caught your attention about this role, and what made you think, “This is for me”? 

What first attracted me to the Assistant Ecologist role at SEP Ecology was the opportunity to combine my passion for wildlife conservation with practical, hands-on ecological work. Throughout my degree and volunteering experiences, I particularly enjoyed fieldwork, species identification and understanding how conservation can be integrated into real-world projects. When I read about the role, I could see that it would allow me to contribute to protecting biodiversity while continuing to develop my technical skills and gain experience across a range of ecological surveys and projects. 

I felt that the role was the perfect next step for me because it aligned closely with both my academic background in Zoology and my long-term career aspirations within ecology. It offered the chance to learn from experienced professionals, continue building my knowledge and make a meaningful contribution to projects that balance environmental conservation with responsible development. 

Which experience along your journey has had the biggest impact on who you are professionally today? 

The experience that has had the biggest impact on me professionally was my two-week research placement with Lilongwe Wildlife Trust in Liwonde National Park, Malawi. It was the first time I had the opportunity to work so closely with conservation professionals in a field-based research setting and contribute to projects focused on the monitoring and protection of large carnivores and other species of conservation concern. 

During the placement, I developed practical skills in VHF radio tracking, camera-trap deployment, animal identification and data management, but the experience gave me much more than technical skills. Working alongside researchers, veterinarians and park rangers showed me the importance of teamwork, adaptability and evidence-based conservation. Assisting with health checks and re-collaring operations across all three lion prides was particularly memorable and gave me an invaluable insight into large-scale wildlife management and species conservation. 

The placement reinforced my passion for ecology and conservation and gave me the confidence that I wanted to pursue a career where I could contribute to protecting wildlife through practical fieldwork. It remains one of the most influential experiences in shaping the professional I am today and continues to inspire my development as an Assistant Ecologist. 

What’s been the toughest part of your graduate journey, and what did it teach you? 

The toughest part of my graduate journey was securing my first role in the ecology sector. Like many graduates, I quickly realised that the industry is highly competitive and that building experience outside of university was just as important as having a degree. 

There were times when balancing work, volunteering, applications and professional development felt challenging. I spent evenings applying for jobs, used breaks and free time to search for opportunities, and continued to volunteer with wildlife organisations and take part in experiences such as my research placement in Malawi. Although there were setbacks and rejections along the way, I remained focused on my long-term goal of working in ecology. 

The experience taught me the importance of perseverance and being proactive. Every volunteering opportunity, training course and application helped me develop new skills, expand my network and strengthen my confidence. Looking back, I learned that career progression is rarely a straight path and that persistence, adaptability and a willingness to keep learning are some of the most valuable qualities you can have. 

If you could give future grads one piece of advice, what would it be? 

My biggest piece of advice would be to start gaining experience as early as possible and say yes to opportunities that genuinely interest you. Throughout my degree and immediately after graduating, I made a conscious effort to gain practical experience through volunteering, wildlife placements and conservation projects whenever I could. 

When I started applying for jobs, I found that employers repeatedly highlighted the breadth of my experience for someone at the beginning of their career. It not only strengthened my applications but also gave me plenty of examples to talk about during interviews and helped me stand out from other candidates. 

You do not need to have everything figured out straight away, but every bit of experience adds something valuable, whether it's new skills, confidence, professional contacts or simply a better understanding of the career you want to pursue. The opportunities you take early on can make a huge difference later, so be proactive, put yourself out there and make the most of every chance to learn. 

Welcome to our graduate community

As a University of Liverpool graduate you can continue to access support from the Careers and Employability team as you look for your first professional role or apply for further study.

Whether you need help finding and applying for job opportunities, want to explore possible career paths, or would just like to keep in touch – we are here to help you take advantage of exclusive opportunities, insightful resources, and inspiration from fellow #LivUniGrads. 

If you've secured a graduate job or have moved on to further study, we'd also love to hear how you're getting on.

Click here to find out more.

Graduate Outcomes Survey

The Graduate Outcomes survey exists to improve the experience of future students. All graduates are asked to share their perspectives 15 months after they finish their course, to build a national picture that UK universities and colleges use to innovate their services. League tables, Prospects and The Complete University Guide use our Graduate Outcomes data to help students make decisions about their future.