Research Assistant Review

Weekly zoom call meetings to catch up on the work detailed for the week, along with meetings with local charities and groups. Volunteer sessions conducted weekly which require support from staff. Wildlife and plant surveys conducted as necessary. Habitat management conducted as necessary. Ability to conduct individual research projects during the placement.

I gained a quad bike certification. I developed my public engagement skills through supporting volunteer events. Team work and lead ship skills developed as we worked as part of a smaller team within the sustainability team at Swansea University. I improved my wildlife and plant identification skills.

Yes, I was able to create and conduct my own surveys, such as bat walks and reptile surveys, and I was responsible for organising them. I also was able to apply for a scholarship to run my own project during the placement, so I was able to research invasive plants and organise my own project to ensure I reached the deadline.

I had a direct supervisor who is the warden of Crymlyn Burrows SSSI, who I could approach with any day to day query. He also spent the first few days with us to ensure we were familiar with the site and what we could find. We also had lecturers as supervisors from the university who could help us with projects and checked in monthly.

Very close knit and friendly. We were a smaller team working day-to-day on the SSSI site, but met with the larger team during team meetings. We all worked well together on the team and everyone was approachable.

I loved it, it’s been my favourite part of university. I was able to network during the year and I feel as though I really advanced my career. I learned a lot about identification and I’ve found it’s stuck with me through practice. I also got to be on ITV Wales when they came and filmed one of our volunteer days!

Yes

Inform yourself of the area that the placement is based in - I found it helped to be aware of the SSSI and sand dunes during my interview.