Chinyere Ajebon
Student spotlight details
Since completing the Postgraduate Certificate in Ecological Survey Techniques, Chinyere has translated the knowledge she gained into practical benefits for her organisation by conducting knowledge-sharing sessions, holding joint workshops and making recommendations for improvement.
'I work as an Environmental officer in a government agency and my role involves participating in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) of significant projects and operations in the oil and gas industry and reviewing environmental studies reports. The scope of the environmental aspects covered in the studies includes air, water, soil, wildlife and biodiversity. However, data from wildlife and other biodiversity surveys have been compromised and unreliable due to the knowledge gap in the applicable techniques for conducting ecological surveys, especially when evaluating the impact of pollution on biodiversity and wildlife, this knowledge gap inspired my desire to enroll in the Postgraduate Certificate in Ecological Survey Techniques.
'My journey began when I stumbled on a LinkedIn post advertising the PGCert in Ecological Survey Techniques, the comprehensive modules aligned with my career needs, the flexibility of part-time study and the virtual learning arrangement and most especially, a scholarship offer for a Nigerian or Ghanaian candidate all cemented my decision and further inspired me more to apply for the course. Fortunately, I secured the scholarship and my experience with the courses and the tutors so far has been exceptional. They were very vast with knowledge in their various fields.
'Although at the initial stage of the programme, balancing my job with family and studies was quite challenging. However, I was able to develop my time management skills by prioritizing my tasks. With the approval of some days off work which further helped me concentrate on my studies and the support of my family, I was able to navigate through till I completed the programme.
'Every module provided valuable education and met my expectations. The Data Analysis in Ecology module was the most rewarding and enjoyable, the organisation of the course, reading materials and explanations from the group discussions were explicit and this enhanced my ability to comprehend the course. Also, the knowledge gained was applied immediately after completing the course distinguishing me in data analysis from environmental surveys and monitoring. The Bird Biodiversity and Population Monitoring Methods module not only enhanced my understanding of the various interesting survey methods, it also developed my passion for birds as my field project exposed me to the exciting life and nature of birds in my country.
'The programme allowed me to network with other ecology experts as fellow students which further expanded my understanding of the benefits of biodiversity conservation. This experience prompted me to volunteer with the Nigerian Conservation Forum (NCF).
'Upon completion of the programme, I translated my knowledge into practical benefits for my organisation by conducting knowledge-sharing sessions, holding joint workshops with the environmental consultants and making recommendations for improvement in our policy guidelines. The programme has not only improved my competence but has been able to upskill my competitive advantage in Environmental monitoring, I've enjoyed several academic and professional benefits from being an Oxford alumni.
'I will always recommend this course for anyone pursuing a career in environmental consultancy, ecological survey and biodiversity management. The benefits are indeed endless.'
