Student spotlights - Environmental Conservation

Environmental conservation spotlight: Anja Bradley

Anja Bradley traded a desk job for a career working on behalf of wildlife, via our Advanced Diploma in Environmental Conservation.

'I was working as a local government officer but had made a decision in 2003 to change my career to work in the conservation sector. I was not in a position to return to university on a full-time basis - but the Department's Advanced Diploma in Environmental Conservation was accessible and fitted in around my current commitments.'

'I particularly enjoyed the variety of guest lecturers, and their different opinions on a host of topics. And I learned a lot from the fieldtrips. The most challenging aspect of the course was keeping up with all of the additional reading/research and completing the assignments around a full-time job and other commitments.'

'At first it was a bit of a shock to the system to be back in university education! My goal initially was to complete the course to the best of my abilities; but as time progressed I realised I wanted keep on learning. By the time I had completed the Advanced Diploma I had made the decision to continue into postgraduate education.'

'Upon completion of the course I took a part-time position with the Avon Wildlife Trust as a Conservation Officer and also worked for the Cheetah Conservation Fund, before returning to Reading University full-time to complete an MSc Wildlife Management and Conservation.'

'I currently work for the RSPB as an Information Officer and am applying for academic research positions and PhD funding.'

'Taking the Advanced Diploma was the turning point in my life and career. I received a huge amount of support and advice from the course director (Dr Jocelyne Hughes) and this helped me to achieve my goals. '

'I would say to anyone - if you have a desire to learn and the willingness to put in a lot of hard work then I would highly recommend taking a course. Without this qualification I would not have achieved this level of success and would still be dreaming about a career in conservation!'