|
Following a degree in Marine Biology, graduate Mark Moore took a gap year in the UK working as a Field Studies Instructor for PGL.  ‘I knew I wanted to do field studies and work outside and I decided I needed to do a gap year because felt I had been in education for a while and needed some extended work experience,’ he says. ‘I decided on a gap year in the UK mainly because I didn’t want to be too far away from my family and friends.’
Mark worked for PGL from August of 2006 to July 2007 and was based on the south coast at Osmington Bay. ‘I decided on PGL because of a recommendation from family who worked within the outdoor sector. I applied for a field studies instructor job and within two weeks I was on my way to Boeatton Park for initial training.’ Mark moved to Dorset to take up the position which involved instructing a range of activities. ‘Day-to-day the work was pretty varied and there were lots of opportunities to do different things,’ he explains. ‘I instructed in areas like stream ecology, rocky shore ecology and geology and I had the opportunity to see some amazing parts of Dorset like Lulworth Cove, Lyme Regis, Studland Bay and many other places.’ Outside of field studies Mark also helped out with other activities including archery, hiking and rifling and his experience proves that a working gap year doesn’t have to be all work and no play. ‘After work was always good as there were lots of other like minded people on site,’ he explains. ‘It was nice just to chill in the bar or go off site and see some of the surrounding area.’ Invaluable experience Mark’s experience gave him an insight into teaching and some of the challenges and rewards of working with young people. ‘One of the most rewarding things is the fact you might be instructing youngsters who’ve never seen the countryside before and then they go home remembering what a great time they’ve had and, if you’re lucky, remembering some of things you’ve shown them on their trip.’
Now back at university completing an MSc in Aquaculture Mark has time to reflect on his gap year experience. ‘I hope to work in the fish farming, consultancy or outdoor sector and my experience as an instructor has given me a great boost to carry on and keep going with my ambitions,’ he says. ‘I would advise other graduates considering a gap year to think about what they want to get out of their year out. Doing something productive like being a field studies instructor not only made me some money for my MSc but I also had a great time and made lots of new good friends.’ | 
