In 2009 just over 60% of ecology graduates were in work, 9% of them being part-time, and 24% went on to further study, with around 7% of these working and studying at the same time. Of those in employment, graduates entered a wide variety of jobs with over 20% entering the business and commercial sector, marketing, finance and other professional or technical occupations, whilst only 6% went on to do scientific research. These are encouraging figures for ecologists who develop the kinds of transferable skills which are seen as being valuable to employers outside the ecology sector. Further study is an asset if you want to pursue your ecology in more depth and may help in the future for promotional prospects in this specialised sector. Where are the jobs?Typical fields of employment for ecologists are: - Government and statutory sector - National agencies such as Natural England and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA); museums and botanical gardens; local authority and government departments
- Businesses - Ecologists test and monitor the effects on wildlife and the environment of toxins and genetically modified organisms, and also work as wildlife guides in commercial ventures.
- Environmental consultancy - Environmental legislation has resulted in growth in environmental consultancy. Ecologists carry out field surveys, species and habitat monitoring, and environmental impact assessment for proposed developments.
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) - for example, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), The Wildlife Trusts and the National Trust.
- Ecology research - with a PhD, you can work as an academic researcher in universities and/or research institutes worldwide. A PhD is also required for some specialist ecology posts.
- Teaching - in schools, colleges, and field study centres. There is also educational work in science centres and museums.
See the following for more information: See industry insights for further information on possibilities in other employment areas. Statistics are collected every year by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) to show what HE students do immediately after graduation. These can be a useful guide but, in reality, with the data being collected within just six months of graduation, many graduates are travelling, waiting to start a course, paying off debts, getting work experience or still deciding what they want to do. For further information about some of the areas of employment commonly entered by graduates of any degree discipline, check out what do graduates do? and your degree...what next?
|
