Sam with Everyclick's Blue Mouse at the World Land Trust stall at a fundraising event in Norwich.

Samantha Ovenden
WLT Intern June 2007 - November 2007

“The WLT internship, was everything I expected and more, it really gave me an insight to working for a conservation charity and all the different aspects involved, I would recommend it to anyone looking to have a career in conservation charity work, and I know I would not have got my job with the RSPB without my experiences with the WLT.”

Where is Sam now?

"I am a Membership Development Assistant with the RSPB: I cover Eastern England, more specifically the coastal regions of Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex, where I arrange events and go along to pre-arranged ones engaging with the public, which includes guided walks around some of the local reserves, taking part in children's activities and generally having a great time out and about whilst helping people understand a little bit more about what the RSPB is all about."
(Updated: October 2008)

Jenny Towill

Jennifer Towill
WLT Intern September 2006 - March 2007

“I found the internship a great opportunity to gain a wide range of experiences which have really helped when going for jobs. ”

Where is Jenny now?

Since the internship Jenny has worked with the RSPB on Lapwing surveys and as a Field Teacher at the Conwy RSPB reserve in North Wales and is currently working as an Access Warden with the Conwy County Council: "I promote and sort out walking routes across Conwy, and work towards getting more people out walking in the countryside."
(Updated: October 2008)

Kat with Chris Packham at the British Birdwatching Fair.

Katharine Parkes
WLT Intern August 2006 - February 2007

“The internship was fantastic. I learnt so much about working in a small(ish) charity and working with partners. I certainly wouldn't have got my job at the British Dragonfly Society without the experience I gained at the WLT.”

Where is Kat now?

Conservation Officer at the British Dragonfly Society. "The job title is not very descriptive - I do so much more than direct conservation, including education, consultancy, fundraising, PR, volunteer liaison, surveying, policy, BAP, etc."
(Updated: December 2007)

Will McManus

William McManus
WLT Intern May 2006 -October 2006

"Working at WLT was a very positive early step into the environmental world.  Working mostly on the Carbon Balanced programme, I gained both valuable experience that convinced me to commit my future to working with the environment and skills that you can only get in a small organisation where you see its whole range of activities."

Where is Will now?

Following a period of employment at the World Land Trust, Will completed an MSc in Environmental Technology at Imperial College London. "Since WLT, I have gained more experience of environmental issues working with several different recycling organisations and assisting WWF-UK to overturn the UK Government’s decision to provide financial support to one of the world's largest oil and gas developments.  My MSc focussed on the environmental impacts of UK agriculture - the area where I hope my career will develop."
(Updated: September 2008)

Katie McGregor attending a conference in Cambridge on behalf of the WLT.

Katie McGregor
WLT Intern November 2005 - April 2006

“I feel that I have now had a very good insight into the way an international conservation charity functions and have a much better understanding of carbon offsetting projects and their importance to charities such as the WLT. I am particularly keen to emphasise the freedom with which interns are able to work. Furthermore, the WLT office has a vibrant and youthful atmosphere with open discussions and a comfortable, friendly working environment. Everybody’s opinion is valid and contributions to discussions are welcomed."

Where is Katie now?

After having completed a MSc in Environmental Technology at Imperial College London (specialising in global environmental change and policy), Katie is now Assistant Environmental Scientist, Jacobs Ltd. "I've no doubt in my mind that without my carbon internship at WLT I would not have been offered the job I am doing now. Before my internship my CV was just a wash of academic achievements and unrelated work experience....now it shines!"
(Updated: January 2008)

Jack Astbury in Ecuador, where he helped set up a webcam project on behalf of the World Land Trust.

Jack Astbury
WLT Intern January 2006 - July 2006

"The WLT Internship Programme offers a unique opportunity to young conservationists, supporting other staff members gives you a real insight into the workings of an internationally operating charity. Being given such a broad experience really helps focus on the future direction of your career in conservation."

Where is Jack now?

Projects Development Officer, World Land Trust. "Since completing a six month internship with WLT I have volunteered in Ecuador, developed and produced the World Land Trust's Wildlife Focus website and webcam and am now Projects Development Officer at WLT."
(Updated: August 2008)

Jessica Reiss in the World Land Trust office.

Jessica Reiss
WLT Intern May 2005 - October 2005

“The World Land Trust internship is one of a kind, it has allowed me to broaden my knowledge of conservation, develop new skills and also try out different career opportunities within the field. I always knew that I wanted to combine my interest in conservation and nature with a creative role such as film, and have just been employed by the BBC NHU in Bristol as production assistant on Springwatch. I feel that the internship definitely helped to secure the job for me. I would strongly recommend the internship for anyone who wants to get into conservation.”

Where is Jessica now?

Production Team Assistant on Springwatch, BBC Natural History Unit, Bristol. Jessica has also been to Swaziland creating a promotional video for All-Out Africa conservation and community gap year company.
(Updated: December 2007)

Vicky Evans

Victoria Evans
WLT Intern May 2005 - September 2005

“The WLT internship was a fantastic experience and I believe all the volunteer work I've done, as well as being very enjoyable, is vital if you are going to go into any job within the conservation or ecological industries. ”

Where is Vicky now?

After leaving the WLT Vicky went back to university to do an MSc in Environmental Science in Manchester. She is now working for an engineering company in the environmental department doing contaminated land work - and as much ecology work as she can lay her hands on: "Ecology is a difficult area to move into but very rewarding. In 2008 I've been involved with the South Lancashire Bat Group, Northwest Lowlands Water Vole Project, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, and Amphibian and Reptile Group of South Lancashire and done various surveys, volunteer days, training workshops and conferences."

Andrew Blyth

Andrew Blyth
WLT Intern November 2004-May 2005

"The internship was definitely helpful for my career, it was basically the stepping stone from education into paid employment. I'm glad that I chose the internship over a masters as I have found myself further ahead of the career ladder than those graduates deciding on a masters."

Where is Andy now?

Ecologist, RPS Glasgow. Since completing his internship, Andrew has worked for the Central Science Laboratory and is now working for RPS Glasgow as an Ecologist.
(Updated: April 2008)

Ollie Blakeman in the Buenaventura Reserve, Ecuador, where he undertook an expedition to establish baseline values for carbon sequestration, in October 2005.

Oliver Blakeman
WLT Intern September 2004 - March 2005

“The WLT internship was an excellent opportunity to develop skills in an area that I had a great deal of interest but limited experience. I worked with the WLT for two years, including the 6 month internship, and during that time I had the opportunity to undertake and expedition in Ecuador. I was involved with a very broad range of tasks and given considerable responsibility.”

Where is Ollie now?

Environmental Projects Director, Eco Positive. "Following my work with the WLT I moved on to perform a similar role for Eco Positive, a consultancy and project development company based in London and working primarily throughout Asia and East Africa. The WLT provided me with the skills and understanding required to create and manage a successful project development programme. I view my work with the WLT as ongoing and look forward to opportunities to work alongside the Trust on future projects."
(Updated: January 2008)

Rachel Beesley with WLT Vice Chairman Renton Righelato and Programme for Belize representative Bladimir Rodriguez at the Trust's stand at the Bird Fair 2004.

Rachel Beesley
WLT Intern July 2004 - December 2004

“The World Land Trust Internship has been a thoroughly worthwhile and enjoyable experience. I have gained invaluable project management experience that would otherwise have been almost impossible to gain at this stage of my career. I have also been given the good oversight of all aspects of running an international conservation charity. By taking an active role in all aspects of the business, I feel I have learnt a lot about what goes into the running of an office and learnt where my own strengths lie.”

Where is Rachel now?

Transport Research Scientist. "I work for the transport research laboratory. I am hoping to move departments soon and start working for the road worker safety group, looking at ways to improve roadworks to make them safer, without reducing traffic flow. I'm a member of the charity committee here too."
(Updated: April 2008)

Gerald Watts

Gerald Watts
WLT Fundraising Intern June 2004 - December 2004

"My internship, and subsequent employment, with the World Land Trust was excellent preparation for working in fundraising. I found there was both plenty of scope for involvement and good opportunities to learn. Above all, it was a busy and happy time.

Where is Gerald now?

Gerald was employed as Corporate Development Officer following his internship and left the WLT in June 2007 to take up a post as Charity Trust Fundraiser, Animal Health Trust: "The Animal Health Trust is a charity that combines clinical care and scientific research to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat injury and illness in cats, dogs and horses. I also sit on two research committees and I represent the Fundraising Department on the Staff Association."

Emma Flaxman volunteering in the WLT reserves in Ecuador, following her internship.

Emma Flaxman
WLT Intern December 2003 - June 2004

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the World Land Trust, gaining confidence and experience in a variety of skills associated with project management, administration and fundraising as well as fuelling my ambition to become actively involved in the conservation of threatened habitats and wildlife. By completing this internship, I feel encouraged to pursue a career in conservation, and I ultimately hope to work for a similar organisation in the future."

Where is Emma now?

Education Officer at Africa Alive: "I look after the animals in the discovery centre, teach lessons on ecology and natural history and give talks on the different animals we have at the park."
(Updated: March 2008)

Molly St George with Simon Lyster, WLT trustee (left), a Bulgarian delegate and WLT CEO John Burton during a study tour she organised in 2003 following her internship.

Molly St. George
WLT Intern February 2003 - August 2003

“The experiences I have had with WLT have been very enlightening. I had originally planned to do a master’s course straight after my post with the WLT. However, since completing the internship I no longer believe it is necessary as I have gained sufficient knowledge to apply my new found and developed skills with other similar organisations, as it has become the norm for employers to demand work experience rather than further degrees.”

Where is Molly now?

Landscape Architect, Building Design Partnership: "Following a fun and enriching year at the WLT I chose to continue my studies in Landscape Architecture and work in London. Work is varied and has included park restoration, schools and even a landscape design for the Alpine House at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew."
(Updated: April 2008)

Caroline Gill on a work trip to Malaysia with TRAFFIC.

Caroline Gill (nee Wymer)
WLT Intern February 2002 - August 2002

"I really would recommend this intern programme to any graduate wanting a career involved with conservation, the environment and wildlife. It breaks the ‘vicious circle’ of not being able to get a job without any experience. The World Land Trust has provided me with a unique insight into how an international conservation charity works. I have enjoyed working with such a friendly team on challenging projects."

Where is Caroline now?

Project Administration Officer for TRAFFIC International. "TRAFFIC International is the headquarters of TRAFFIC - the wildlife trade monitoring network which works to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. My duties include coordination of proposal review before submission to donors, review of contracts with donors, provide project admin support for offices in the network, submission of all financial and technical reports to donors and coordination of project audits."
(Updated: January 2008)

Matt Edwards at the Chaparri Spectacled Bear Rehabilitation Centre, during his visit to Ecuador and Peru.

Matt Edwards
WLT Intern May 2001 - November 2001

"I now have a far greater understanding of how an international conservation charity operates and I have gained many skills, enabling me to develop and work on my own projects. My trip to Ecuador was the highlight of my internship, allowing me to gain practical experience. As a result of the experience I have gained with the World Land Trust, I have already had several interviews that I believe I would not have got, otherwise."

Kirsty Burgess with an orphaned baby-elephant at WLT's project area in India.

Kirsty Burgess
WLT Intern October 2000 – April 2001

"The WLT Internship programme is a very dynamic and potentially rewarding experience. Under the careful guidance of the WLT staff, I know that an opportunity such as this will provide me with the necessary wealth of experience, contacts and knowledge that is needed to flourish in a field such as conservation management."

Where is Kirsty now?

Since completing her internship, Kirsty has continued to work as part of the WLT Projects team, initially starting as Projects Assistant, assisting with the ongoing project activities. After this she became Projects Manager & Head of Training, managing all of the Trust's projects activities as well as the WLT Internship Programme and assisted in the development and running of the Postgraduate Diploma Course in Conservation and Project Administration, jointly run by WLT and University of East Anglia. Kirsty now works as the WLT Conservation Programmes Manager, co-ordinating the Trust's conservation programmes, providing support and liaison for overseas partner organisations, carrying out project site visits, and developing monitoring programmes for international projects.

"The multi-disciplinary nature of the internship has helped me enormously in developing my position within the Trust, providing the confidence to take on new challenges and roles, as well as handling a full and varied workload."