Peter
White

Why did you choose to study at NTU?

I first came to NTU and Brackenhurst Campus on an open day and I was instantly hooked on the course and the campus. The course showed me areas of learning that were more tailored to realistic scenarios that we would experience after graduating. During my 4 years of studying, I was taught by committed and experienced lecturers and tutors, who went above and beyond to assist in my learning and understanding. The course was exactly as advertised and went beyond my expectations of how interesting, enjoyable and fascinating it could be.

What did you learn – both inside and outside of lectures?

Inside lectures, I learnt a fascinating variety of topics, all circulating the environment, conservation, wildlife and the human drives behind them. As the years progressed, NTU guided me through the correct stages of scientific writing, research and experimentation. This meant that by my final year, I was able to carry out my vital studies with the experience and learning I had obtained. Specific to the course, I was learning about practical conservation skills, environmental and conservation issues, biology, environmental science, law, skills for scientists and a great deal more. Over 3 years, this became clearer and remained fascinating throughout my studies. I also undertook a placement year, where I learned what it was like to be a part of a team and a workplace. This also provided crucial context behind my studies and was a tremendous amount of fun.

What have you been up to since graduating? E.g. working in industry, further study, volunteering, research projects etc.

Since I graduated, I managed to find an internship with Essex Wildlife Trust, working with children of all ages. Here, I teach them about the outdoors, provide opportunities for being in the fresh air and have a lot of fun with them!

What does your current day involve?

My day involves going to schools or hosting sessions with children, by giving them an opportunity to be outdoors and learn more about it. This involves the use of tools, making dens, learning about erosion on our coastlines and much more. Generally, I observe and ensure that these children have fun as safely as possible and let them explore the world around them.

What attracted you to this field?

I knew that I enjoyed the outdoors and also wanted to work with children and in teaching. I managed to combine the two by finding this internship which was just perfect for me. I feel it is really important to teach the younger generation about how to enjoy the outdoors and how many things can be found in the environment. Similarly, current affairs in our environment highlight the importance of protecting our green spaces, requiring the need to teach children how to take care of it and enjoy it simultaneously.

What have been the highlights and biggest challenges of your career so far?

Probably the hardest part about a career is finding one in the first place. Job hunting after graduation can be a relentless task, that can take time. However, with the help of NTU both during and after university, I was able to acquire my current job easily.

Furthermore, taking on new responsibilities in any job is always quite daunting. For me, this took me a while, but with practice from my placement year and the support of my colleagues, this became very easy.

What are your plans for the future?

After my internship, I hope to continue with my work in being outdoors and working with children. I also wish to keep learning about the UK’s conservation and seeing what else our amazing country has to offer.

If you had a time machine, what would you go back and tell yourself at NTU?

After giving a lot of tips and advice to people about university, I would go back and tell myself what I told them. Be yourself and seize every opportunity that is given to you. NTU will provide the opportunities, help and information that you need, but you have to be the one to take on the challenge and be the best you can be. University is a chance to explore who you are, and what you want to become- take that chance. But most importantly, enjoy these next few years because they will disappear sooner than you think.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share with our student and alumni community?

One of my best choices at NTU was taking a placement year. It provided a brilliant insight into a workplace, vital work experience and the context behind your studies. If you haven’t already done so, get yourself some work experience, no matter how big or small it is. Work experience will give you and future employers the confidence to achieve more.