Hannah Read studied BSc Honours Biology with sandwich year and completed a PGCE in Chemistry teaching after her degree and now works for Orkney Native Wildlife Project in partnership with the RSPB.

“I’ve always been interested in all things Biology. I love the natural world, but I also love to learn about health, genetics, and everything in between. The breadth of subjects available to learn about within the same degree course really appealed to me.

“The facilities within the labs at Sheffield Hallam are great, we carried out lab days once a week, and these are useful for gaining practical experience in common techniques. I remember really enjoying our end of year lab projects where we would grow bacteria or analyse the composition of different soil samples from the local area. 

“The libraries are amazing at Sheffield Hallam, I spent much of my study time in the library, it was open whenever I needed it and the staff were always friendly and helpful.

“I enjoyed the broad range of subjects available to study within the biology umbrella. The academics were always friendly and approachable, and they really seemed to enjoy teaching us, and getting involved in what we were learning. 

“The careers team especially within the Biosciences department were second to none. I was given advice when applying for placements, and jobs, about what I should include within my personal profile, and CV, as well as tips for interviewing. 

“After my first year I was given a placement, Sheffield Hallam provided me with a grant to support me during this time. I worked with the National Trust, and I really felt like that placement led me to the career I am in now. 

“I also received help from student services when I was struggling with some aspects of the work, they were very supportive, and it helped me complete my final year with much less stress than I feel like I would have had without their help. 

“During my second year we went on a field trip to the North Yorkshire coast, where we learned all about surveying birds and small mammals. Although I didn’t know it at the time, this would feed well into my current career, and was instrumental in giving me a lot of the information I needed for impressing within an interview situation. 

“The careers department played a big part in university life, and they always felt approachable, and gave talks on different aspects of career progression. From finding the right places to gain experience, to talks by former students about careers they have moved onto since completing their undergraduate degrees. 

“I have an interest in native species, and thought my skills learned through my degree would help me find a role where I could help to improve the situation for such animals and plants. I saw the role for Team leader at Orkney Native wildlife advertised on a site recommended to me by the university careers team and knew it would be perfect for me. 

“Orkney Native Wildlife Project aims to safeguard the unique and internationally important native wildlife of Orkney from the threat of non-native species. My job title is trapper team leader and I manage a small team within the project. I love spending my days outdoors in many different weather conditions, checking areas for signs of the non-native stoat populations. 

“During my degree we learned about survey techniques, and trapping techniques throughout the ecology modules. I learned how to collect and use wildlife data to accurately assess wildlife populations within an area. 

“Looking back, I can confidently say that my degree at Sheffield Hallam prepared me well for the real world. It was practical, career-focused, and equipped me with the right tools and knowledge. It is rare that I come across information, or equipment we didn’t get a chance to use. 

“As for my future plans, I'm in no rush. I plan to carry on working in this project for the forceable future and I'm eager to see where this path takes me. Maybe I'll explore project planning and organization, but who knows? The RSPB offers so many exciting training opportunities and I am excited about the opportunities I may have when I have more experience. 

“I am currently on contract until the end of next year and would love to remain within a similar role when it ends. The natural environment of the UK is really important to me, and I get a lot of job satisfaction knowing I am making a small difference to improve its prospects. 

“Advice I would pass onto current/future students is that they shouldn’t worry if they don’t have a firm idea of what they want their future career to look like. Trying out different things will in the end lead to what you love, and the right career path for you.“