WORK PLACEMENTS
Getting a foot in the door might mean making the tea or photocopying but a work placement provides insights into the realities of the job and the reward of hands-on experience. Competition is intense for sought after placements, such as at the BBC’s Natural History Unit ( www.bbc.co.uk/careers/workexperience) but there are plenty of other opportunities elsewhere. The Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology ( www.zoo.ox.ac. uk/egi/jobs/research-assistantsinternships) provides experience of a range of research techniques, while the CotswoldWildlife Park ( www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/ work-experience) offers four-week placements working with its reptiles, invertebrates, birds or mammals. The National Trust offers long-term internships as well as volunteer opportunities in its reserves. And, of course, BBC Wildlife Magazine welcomes students on one- or two-week work-experience placements ( www.discoverwildlife.com/workexperience).