Alex Moffatt

Alex studied BSc Zoology and complete a year in industry work placement as an Assistant Ecologist at PBA Applied Ecology. Since graduating from the University of Leeds, Alex has become an Area Manager from Amazon.

Why did you decide to do a year in industry?

PBA Applied Ecology – Assistant Ecologist. I decided to do a year in industry to increase my employability after University by gaining relevant work experience on top of my degree. Also, to help me decide what field I might want to go in to after completing my degree.

What were your key responsibilities? How did these develop as your placement progressed?

A typical day would be assisting in reports for bat/crayfish surveys; inputting data; sorting sediment samples.

My key responsibilites were helping put data into reports after a bat scoping/activity survey has been done; then developed to interpreting this data and writing a full report. Writing the data down out in the field when doing an electrofishing survey; then developed into carrying out the electrofishing first hand.

What aspects of your degree were relevant to your placement? And what opportunities has this opened to you?

Being able to write a scientific report to a high standard for clients and many of the lab skills such as how to properly use a dissecting microscope.

A future career in the ecology field, through skills learned that I wouldn’t otherwise have been able to gain at University.

What have been the highlights of your time at the University of Leeds?

The field trips that are available to us were educational and good fun. Being able to meet so many different people, and making long term friends. There were so many clubs and societies on offer that I could give anything a go, and try lots of new things.

What key aspects of your experience of Leeds would you highlight to students thinking about coming to do the same course/programme?

The course has so many good optional modules that you can tailor it to whatever interests you most. The lecturers and personal tutors are keen to help you get the most from your degree, so always really helpful with questions and suggestions for extra reading. The lectures are made interesting, and are given at a good pace to allow you to take down all the notes you need.