Jennifer - "I wanted to do too many different things"

I'm a Youth Engagement Officer for Shropshire Wildlife Trust. I'm working full time for a fixed term for (4 years - project funded).

My path was definitely not linear. I initially studied astrophysics. However, I struggled at university with mental health, left and transferred to Open University and broadened my course to a general science degree. I continued studying part time whilst working in a range of different roles and sectors including finance, retail, admin, science communication, careers advice/university outreach. I got my current job before completing my degree, which I finished in 2025. Have since studied short courses and am considering further study or training to possibly move into more technical/practical conservation role in future. I have autism, and although I sometimes think we're very well represented in the sector, it doesn't mean jobs or organisations are necessarily well designed to support neurodivergent people. I'm a cis woman, and whilst women are underrepresented in general in the sector, the "people" side of people & environment is quite heavily female - youth work, education, community work etc.

A willingness to learn and adaptability have been very generally helpful. A lot of my roles have been either quite people-facing or collaborative and communication has been important. Understanding of different sectors I was moving into has helped, and getting a range of experience whilst I was at uni. For my current role, the combination of my background in science communication and my experience working with young people helped. Driving licence also helped massively. Self-directed working, managing and prioritising tasks, no matter what role you're in, very transferable and always useful.